Avinor to invest EUR4.9bn in 2014-2023 period amid expansion of airport network

Norway's Transport Minister Marit Arnstad stated (12-Apr-2013) Avinor plans to expand the capacity of the airport network to meet the expected growth in traffic. The government noted "aviation infrastructure is largely self-financing and are not included in the economic framework in the National Transport Plan" and "as a corporation, the board of Avinor responsible for prioritisation of funds for the operation, maintenance and investment. The State has the primary responsibility for aviation infrastructure through ownership of Avinor". In the next decade, the government aims to further develop a decentralised airport network and the system of co-financing within Avinor be continued (that is economically profitable airports finance unprofitable airports). At the same time the system of public procurement of regional flight services will continue. Details of Avinor planned investments in the period 2014 - 2023, which current stands at an investment of NOK37 billion (EUR4.9 billion) is as follows:

• Oslo Airport, Gardermoen - new terminal 2: First phase of terminal expansion to be completed in 2017. The first part of Phase 2, which must first be cleared with the Ministry, is scheduled for completion in 2019;
• Bergen International Airport - New terminal 3 is planned to be completed in 2016;
• Trondheim Airport, Værnes: Different capacity developments are planned until 2020;
• Stavanger Airport, Sola: Different capacity developments are planned until 2020;
• Tromsø Airport Langnes: An expansion of the terminal is planned for 2019-2021;
• Kristiansand Airport Kjevik: An extension of the current international terminal is scheduled for completion in 2016;
• Ålesund Airport, Vigra: An extension of avhangshallen is planned for 2023;
• Kristiansund Airport, Kvernberget: Measures on the terminal side is planned in the first four years;
• An extension of the runway at Kirkenes Airport, Høybuktmoen, planned for the end of the plan period;
• Avinor planning an extension of the runway at Sandnessjøen Airport, Stokka and Stokmarknes Airport, Skagen, in 2014.

The government noted financing a possible new airport in Helgeland must be seen in context with the clarification of Avinor framework in the forthcoming White Paper on business in Avinor. A broader assessment of the regional impacts of any change of airport structure will be part of the ongoing planning process. There is also a need for further studies to clarify the possibilities for future airport solution at Hammerfest and Lofoten. For Bodø Airport, the government said in the plan period, the process should be launched to establish a long term solution for civil aviation. Meanwhile, The Ministry will continue its contribution to the Flight Information Service (AFIS) to airports with scheduled air outside Avinor. The Ministry will maintain operational support to Stord Airport, Sørstokken. [more - original PR - Norwegian]