The redevelopment, which repositioned the airport’s retail footprint into an expanded air-side environment, won the non-aeronautical development award at the Australian Airport Association National Airport Industry Awards.

Launceston Airport general manager Paul Hodgen accepted the award on Wednesday night on behalf of his team and said he was thrilled with the recognition.

“I am extremely proud to receive this award and to be recognised by the industry for our investment into improving the functionality of the terminal,” Mr Hodgen said.

“We have made a real effort to create a strong sense of place at the airport and under our new layout travellers get to experience our city’s hospitality and retail offering for longer, all while being in the company of their loved ones.”

Putting customers first has paid dividends for the airport, with improved quality management scores reported.

“Following the terminal reconfiguration the airport’s quality service monitoring figures skyrocketed, with passengers reporting that wait times and wayfinding had improved,” Mr Hodgen said.

“Our airline partners also noticed reductions in security-related delays and boarding discrepancy delays.”

Association chief executive Caroline Wilkie said the high calibre of entries reflected the significant efforts made by Australian airports to enhance their offerings to customers.

“Launceston Airport’s ‘airside flip’ has not only delivered better options for passengers, but has improved efficiency for the airport as a whole,” Ms Wilkie said.

“This project reflects clever investment and design and will deliver lasting benefits to the region for years to come.”

Hobart Airport also won an innovation award for its runway extension.

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