Anyone who is planning a holiday in Tasmania, Australia, or coming home to Tasmania from a holiday, will most likely be flying into the Hobart International Airport. Hobart is the capital city of this fascinating island off the southeast corner of mainland Australia. The Hobart Airport is conveniently located only 17 km east of the centre of Hobart.

The Hobart Airport has recently undergone a major upgrade that amounted to $15 million. This upgrade provides travelers with many beneficial conveniences that weren't there before. There is a brand new baggage screen system and a new arrivals carousel. The check-in hall is now centrally located to make it easier for passengers to get to and to find. The flights are now curfew-free so that passengers can arrive at any time of the day or night.

There are three airlines that use the Hobart Airport. With many scheduled flights available, Jetstar Airways, Qantas Airways and Virgin Blue now can connect the traveler to Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. During certain times of the year, Singapore Airlines also serves Hobart and Tasair links the northwestern Tasmanian city of Devonport with Hobart.

The Hobart International Airport began back in 1956 to replace the Cambridge Aerodrome. It was first named the Lanherne Airport. In 1964 the runway had been extended, and in the 1980's was extended again to accommodate the new 747 airplane. In 1976 the domestic terminal had opened with the international terminal opening in 1986.

Now the Hobart International Airport has many modern facilities that include several shops, newsagents, and places to eat. The completely air-conditioned terminals also have large lounge areas and seating that faces the aircraft itself. For the traveler to get into the city of Hobart, there are several choices of transportation that include chauffeured limos and cars, taxis, car rental agencies and the budget-friendly Airporter shuttles that connect the Qantas and Virgin Blue terminals.

Any tourists traveling to Hobart will be glad to know that there are some attractions that are just a close drive from the airport. They are the Port Arthur Historic Site, Saint David's and Saint Mary's Cathedrals, the Old Hobart Town Model Village and the Cadbury-Schweppes Chocolate Factory just names a few of the interesting tourist sites