A drop in the number of people booking flights to Tasmania in the wake of the global coronavirus outbreak has been confirmed by Launceston Airport general manager Paul Hodgen.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Despite forward booking numbers falling by 7-10 per cent across the state, Mr Hodgen said airlines had not cut flights to and from Launceston Airport.
"Undoubtedly now we're seeing a softening of travel generally," he told The Examiner.
"We're holding steady at the moment but it [coronavirus] is definitely having a dampening effect on travel demand."
IN OTHER NEWS
Mr Hodgen said the only recent reduction in Launceston flights was temporary and unrelated to the coronavirus.
"The only capacity reduction was Jestar taking pre-emptive action in anticipation of industrial action.
"They took out 16 per cent of seat capacity to and from Launceston."
Last week Virgin Australia announced Tigerair flights from Hobart to the Gold Coast would be scrapped from April 28. With coronavirus still not contained, Mr Hodgen said it was impossible to predict if flights would be cut from Launceston.
"It's of concern," he said.
"The tourism authorities are doing what they can to stimulate travel."
Coronavirus has claimed more than 2,900 lives and about 85,000 people have been infected.
No confirmed cases have been reported in Tasmania, but on the mainland 25 cases have been confirmed.
The latest official federal government advice on coronavirus can be found at www.health.gov.au
