Canberra boosts case for international flights with new airport hotel

Canberra Airport has boosted its credentials for more flights and long-sought after international services with a new hotel located 50 metres from the terminal.

The Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport’s 191 rooms opened its doors to travellers on Monday, bringing the nation’s capital in line with nearby airports such as Melbourne Tullamarine, Sydney and Brisbane which have a hotel at or near the terminal precinct.

The 4.5-star hotel, which has views of the runway on one side and of Lake Burley Griffin and Parliament House on the other, will be run as a partnership between Canberra Airport and the TFE Hotels Group.

While it will have a business focus with facilities such as conference rooms and complimentary wi-fi, operators of the $50 million, seven-storey Vibe Hotel are also hoping to secure leisure travellers visit Canberra’s major attractions such as the National War Memorial, Questacon and the nearby wine region.

TFE Hotels Group marketing director Emma Fraser says the hotel is well connected to both the airport and the Canberra city centre.

“We’re sure that guests will find this hotel a valuable addition to the nation’s capital,” Fraser said in a statement.

It is the latest development at the airport, which unveiled a new terminal in 2013 that was part of a $480 million investment and was recognised with an Australian Airports Association (AAA) award. Beyond the terminal is Brindabella business park and the Majura Park shopping and business centre, where Canberra’s first Ikea is due to open on Monday November 16.

The terminal redevelopment also included a dedicated area for international flights that has customs, immigration and quarantine areas, as well as dedicated transit lounges and baggage screening facilities.

And while no airline has committed to launching international services to the Australian capital, the airport owners say they are in ongoing discussions regarding international flights.

Canberra firm Construction Control built the airport in about 18 months.