In 2000, Kendall Airlines (Ansett) began flying from Launceston, and the passenger terminal and luggage collection areas were given a much-needed upgrade and expansion.
Just a year later, on November 8, 2001, Virgin Blue launched their Tasmanian flights from Launceston Airport, bringing even more connection and convenience to the region.
By 2003, the car park overlay was completed, and Launceston-based company Kavihan took over the airport’s food and beverage services, adding a local touch to the dining experience.
June 2004 saw Jetstar’s inaugural flight from Launceston, opening up new opportunities for travelers.
In 2005, the airport celebrated a unique achievement with its own not-for-profit vineyard bottling its first wine under the label ‘Altitude.’ This little vineyard on airport grounds adds a special flavor to Launceston’s story.
That same year, a second car park opened, expanding parking by over 70% - a welcome change for visitors.
The spirit of community and support for aviation shone in 2006 when Launceston Airport partnered with the Tasmanian Aeroclub to create a scholarship program for young pilots, commemorating 75 years of flight operations in the region.
May 2007 was a proud moment when Launceston celebrated reaching 1 million passenger movements in a year, marked by Jetstar’s JQ735 flight arriving from Melbourne. Later that year, on November 29, Tiger Airways completed its inaugural flight from Melbourne to Launceston, adding even more options for travelers.
April 2008 marked the beginning of the largest infrastructure investment since 1965, resulting in the opening of a beautifully redeveloped terminal, officially unveiled by the Hon David Bartlett, Premier of Tasmania at the time.
Virgin Blue added Brisbane to its list of destinations from Launceston in December 2008, bringing new possibilities for Tasmanian travelers.
Between 2011 and 2012, significant upgrades continued with a $4 million airfield lighting project, a $1.5 million hangar redevelopment with Australian Air Express to improve freight services, and a $6 million upgrade to the southern apron, increasing load capacity to 80,000kgs.
In 2013, the airport made an eco-friendly leap by replacing all carpark and road lighting with energy-efficient LED lights. That July, Sharp Airlines moved into a new terminal and introduced new flights to Flinders Island and King Island.
The airport’s commitment to excellence was recognised in 2015 when Launceston Airport won the ‘Major Airport of the Year Award’ at the AAA National Industry Awards. The following year saw a $3.5 million terminal transformation, bringing fresh specialty retail offerings with The Launceston Store showcasing Tasmanian products, plus the opening of the first James Boag Upper Deck Bar and Restaurant. New public seating, upgraded amenities, and LED lighting made the terminal even more welcoming.
2016 was another banner year with the airport winning the Tasmanian Tourism Award, followed by a repeat win of the ‘Major Airport of the Year’ award in 2017.
September 2017 brought a $2.1 million terminal upgrade and the launch of a new parking product called 'Saver,' making parking easier and more affordable.
On May 29, 2018, Launceston Airport celebrated 20 years of successful privatisation with a spirit of pride and accomplishment.
More awards followed that year, including the ‘Airport Innovation and Excellence Award’ at the AAA National Industry Awards and Gold at the Tasmanian Tourism Awards for ‘Specialised Tourism Services’—and the airport continued to shine with more recognition in 2019.
In 2019, Launceston Airport proudly unveiled Jetstar’s 737 Northern Tasmania livery on its flights between Melbourne and Launceston—a vibrant symbol of the region’s strong connection to the skies.