Late-night flights will be expected to land at Tasmania's major airports without air traffic controllers' help for at least another six months, despite a federal government promise to provide round-the-clock radar services by February.
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In July, Transport Minister Anthony Albanese promised 24-hour air traffic control at Launceston and Hobart airports would be provided from Melbourne within six months.
But a spokesman said yesterday the deadline had been extended to June following a request from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and Airservices Australia.
He said the bodies, responsible for implementing the pre-election promise, were taking a "prudent approach" requesting extra time to educate all airport users about the change.
But Civil Air Australia, which represents air traffic controllers, blamed the delay on a worldwide shortage of trained air traffic controllers and doubted even the June deadline would be met.
President Robert Mason said thousands applied for the job but were not of a high enough standard.
He said only half of successful applicants managed to qualify, while 80 air traffic controllers had quit or retired in recent years.
Between 10pm and 6am when Launceston's air tower is unmanned pilots must communicate with each other to determine a safe path to the airport.
The federal government promise followed criticism of this practice from high- profile entrepeneur and aviator Dick Smith.
In 2008 two passenger aircraft approaching the Launceston Airport had a near miss when attempting a late-night landing in bad weather.
Tasmanian Liberal Senator Guy Barnett said the delay was unacceptable.
"They've broken their promise. Air safety in Tasmania should be a top priority and they've been dilatory in ensuring the highest possible level of safety," Senator Barnett said.
Hobart and Launceston are the first of 10 airports set to be provided 24-hour air traffic control under the government's plan.
