2014-2023 National Transport Plan period: Historic investment boost for aviation

“During the 2014-2023 National Transport Plan period Avinor has planned investments of NOK 37 billion. This is the largest investment boost since Oslo Airport, Gardermoen was built,” says CEO Dag Falk-Petersen.

The largest projects are terminal 2 at OSL, with a price tag of NOK 12.5 billion and a new terminal at Bergen Airport, Flesland, for around NOK 4 billion, both scheduled for completion in 2017. Stavanger Airport, Sola and Trondheim Airport, Værnes will also be significantly upgraded, in addition to extensive measures at Kjevik and Kvernberget. Large and small airports in rural Norway will be maintained and upgraded. The new organization of European airspace also requires large investments in air navigation services.

Helgeland

In its recommendations to the National Transport Plan, Avinor proposed a new airport in Helgeland, assuming decommissioning of Mosjøen Airport, Kjærstad and Mo i Rana Airport, combined with an extension of the runway at Sandnessjøen to 1199 meters. In the National Transport Plan the government states that it is positive toward the initiative for building a new airport in Helgeland and will continue work on clarifying regional policy issues. A broader assessment of the regional impact of any change to airport structure will be a part of this work. The extension of the runway at Sandnessjøen Airport to 1199 meters should be completed in 2014.

Lofoten

Among its other recommendations to the National Transport Plan, Avinor also proposed a new airport in Lofoten, assuming the closure of the Svolvær and Leknes airports. The Ministry of Transport and Communications will await the necessary studies and clarifications and engage in dialogue with local authorities before proceeding further with the project.

Requires extraordinary funding

The two new airports recommended in Helgeland and Lofoten are not economically profitable, and will require extraordinary funding beyond Avinor’s budget. The government specifies in the National Transport Plan that funding of any new airports should be viewed in the context of the need for investments in the remainder of the airport network and a clarification of Avinor’s financial framework conditions in the forthcoming Report to the Storting on Avinor’s operations.

Finnmark

The government will return to the question of a future airport solution for Hammerfest when an adequate basis for a decision is available. There is a need for further studies, in particular extended studies of wind and weather conditions and winter operations at two remaining locations.

Fagernes

In cooperation with Valdres nature and culture park Avinor has conducted a more detailed analysis of the future role of Fagernes Airport, Leirin. In the National Transport Plan the government recommends, based on low traffic figures, that measures to stimulate traffic are implemented. If one fails to achieve increased activity at the airport, it is recommended to reconsider the airport’s future.

No changes are proposed on the west coast

No changes are proposed to the airport structure on the west coast, but the government emphasizes that the phasing out of Dash-8 aircraft and future road improvements, including the E39, highlight the need for a new review in the next National Transport Plan.

Self-financed

Avinor is organized as a limited liability company and it is the board and management Avinor who are responsible for prioritizing its investments. Avinor is self-financed through traffic revenues and commercial activity at and around the airports. In the National Transport Plan the government mainly refers to company’s long-term investment plan. The government states that it will ensure that Avinor has the framework conditions necessary for the company to perform the tasks it has been handed. Reference will be made to a Report to the Storting on Avinor’s operations that is being prepared, in which the government will return with further clarifications related to Avinor framework conditions.