Businessman and aviator Dick Smith says it is a shame he had to embarrass the Federal Government in costly advertisements before it would improve air safety in Tasmania.

The Government on Friday announced passenger flights to and from the Hobart and Launceston airports would now be monitored 24 hours a day.

It promised to make the change after several near misses at Launceston airport.

Mr Smith is a former chairman of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority who lobbied for continuous air traffic control.

"In aviation, most safety changes are made after people are killed," he said.

"I'm glad the Government has finally made the decision.

"It's a pity that I needed to waste so much money that could have gone to other charitable concerns in running advertisements to embarrass them in the newspapers."