Accessibility

Making Launceston Airport Accessible for Everyone

At Launceston Airport, we’re committed to making travel easier and more welcoming for everyone — including those with disability or specific access needs. We’re proud to follow the guidelines set out in the Disability Discrimination Act and work closely with the Australian Airports Association to ensure we’re meeting the highest standards in accessibility.

To help us do this well, we’ve partnered with a number of expert organisations and advocacy groups. Together, we’ve formed a working group to guide improvements and share valuable feedback as we continue to update our facilities and services. Our goal is to provide clear, helpful information that supports all travellers in using and moving through our airport with ease.

Some of the groups who’ve helped shape our Access Facilitation Plan include:

• Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
• Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
• Self Help Workplace
• Paraquad Tasmania
• Australian Airports Association
• Tasmanian Premier’s Disability Advisory Committee
• Australian Human Rights Commission
• Advocacy Tasmania
• Physical Disability Australia
• Tasmanians with Disabilities Inc.
• Citizen Advocacy Launceston Region Inc.

We’ve designed our Access Facilitation Plan to align with Australian laws and standards — including those that relate specifically to aviation and accessible public transport — so that our airport remains safe, inclusive and welcoming for all.

We also follow international best practices through organisations such as:

• International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
• Airports Council International (ACI)

As part of ongoing development at the airport, our building and infrastructure projects are reviewed by the Airport Building Controller (ABC), who ensures everything we build meets the required safety and accessibility standards outlined in the Building Code of Australia.

We’re always looking for ways to improve, and we appreciate the valuable insights from the people and organisations who support this important work.

Before You Travel

We know that every traveller is different, and we want your experience at Launceston Airport to be as smooth and comfortable as possible.

It’s important to remember that services and assistance can vary between airports and airlines. The information below relates specifically to Launceston Airport. If you have any needs that aren’t mentioned here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us — we’re happy to help wherever we can.

If you’ll need help boarding or leaving the aircraft, or while you're on board, please let your airline or travel agent know when you book your ticket. They’ll be the ones to make those arrangements for you.

Please note: Any information you provide during booking (such as assistance needs) is only shared with the airline or travel agent — not with airport staff.

Website Access

This website is WACG 2.0 compliant and is readable by screen readers. The content is organised in a way to be easily navigated and alt tags have been added to all images. If you have any feedback about the website accessibility, please email us at Launceston Airport.

Wheelchair Assistance

Wheelchairs are available to help passengers move through the terminal. These are provided by the airlines, so it’s a good idea to check directly with your airline to make sure this service is available for your flight. Most airline wheelchairs can be used all the way through the boarding and disembarking process.

In many cases, passengers who use their own wheelchair can take it right up to the boarding gate. However, this process can vary depending on the airline, so it’s best to confirm the details with your airline ahead of time.

Travelling with Assistance Animals

Airlines can help arrange a suitable space on board for assistance animals, such as guide dogs. Again, please speak with your airline to make sure everything is ready for your journey.

Airline Accessibility Policies

Each airline has its own policies and procedures when it comes to accessibility — including how they handle mobility aids, assistance animals, or any limits on bookings. Most airlines have an Access Facilitation Plan on their website that outlines what support they offer. You’ll find a list of airline contacts and links below.

To make sure everything runs smoothly, we recommend contacting your airline at least 48 hours before your flight (some airlines may require more notice). This helps ensure the right assistance can be arranged in time. Last-minute requests might not always give the airline or Launceston Airport enough time to put everything in place.

We're here to support your journey — just let us know how we can help.

Airline Contacts

• Qantas Airways
• Jetstar 
• Virgin Australia
• Sharp Airlines 

Accessibility at Launceston Airport – A Quick Guide

Getting Here & Parking

• If you require public transport assistance to and from the airport, please contact Taxi Combined. When booking your taxi, please ensure you inform the operator of all requirements.
• A dedicated accessible parking bay is available at the front of the terminal for short drop-offs (max. 5 mins). For longer stays, accessible bays are located in the Short Stay car park (first 30 mins free), within 40m of the terminal.
• All accessible parking requires a valid permit.
• Sheltered walkways and tactile ground indicators help guide travellers safely.
• Direct assistance from car parks isn’t available — please coordinate with your airline in advance if needed.

Check-In & Boarding

• Airline staff can assist with check-in and provide support at boarding gates.
• Boarding is via aircraft stairs or a lift device (PAD), as there are no aerobridges.
• Let your airline know early (ideally 48+ hours) if you need help boarding or have mobility needs.
• Passengers using wheelchairs can usually take them to the gate and transfer to an airline wheelchair for boarding. If it is battery operated, please check with your airline in advance.
• Guests travelling with a guide or assistance dog whose accreditation falls within the specified categories must provide appropriate and current guide or assistance dog ID cards or documents at check-in.
• Airlines can also provide slide boards with prior notice (a carer must assist).

Battery-Powered Mobility Aids

• Battery-operated wheelchairs require special handling.
• Inform your airline of battery type when booking so safety requirements can be met.

Inside the Terminal

• Lifts are available throughout the terminal for easy access to gate lounges and arrivals.
• All doors are automated, and Braille signage is provided.
• Accessible toilets with emergency buttons and mobility-friendly features are located across the terminal. Changing Places / Adult Change Facility is available near the Gate Lounges.
• Central tables in food areas are wheelchair accessible, and dietary needs (gluten-free, soy/almond milk) can be catered for with notice.
• A designated meeting point is located near Baggage Carousel 1 in the Arrivals Hall.
• TVs support closed captioning, and volunteers are sometimes available to help.
• Public announcement systems have been installed within the terminal to allow airlines to present relevant information.
• Hearing augmentation loops (low loss audio frequency induction loops) are throughout the floor of the public areas of the terminal building; with the exception of under the floor area immediately in front of the screening point.
• Changes in airline boarding status are provided on the Flight Information Displays (FIDs) located throughout the terminal building.
• An Auslan interpretation service is available by contacting Auslan Connections.

Security Screening

• All passengers must pass through security screening. A body scanner is used, but alternative screening (like a pat-down) is available if you are holding valid medical advice document.
• Alert staff if you have implants, prosthetics, or mobility aids. Private screening rooms and seating are available.
• Assistance animals can stay harnessed during screening.
• Common items like scissors or aerosols must be declared at screening.
• Electronic items are safe to go through X-rays.

For Children on the Autism Spectrum

• We offer an Airport Awareness booklet with tips for carers and parents to help ease the journey for children who may find the airport environment overwhelming.

Our on-going commitment

• To review of our current plan on an annual basis.
• To continually strive to include changes and upgrades in our Capital Expenditure budgets each year.
• To listen to our people and those that assist in making our airport their airport of choice.
• To publish the status of upcoming accessibility improvements on our website.

Need Help or Have Feedback?

If you need assistance or have ideas on how we can improve, we’d love to hear from you. Our goal is to make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

Communication – Airport Point of Contact

For additional information on what services and assistance is available at Launceston Airport please contact Airport Management via the following methods:

Phone (03) 6391 6222 Email Launceston Airport Postal PO Box 117 Evandale TAS 7212