New Mo I Rana/Helgeland Arctic Circle Airport

New Mo I Rana Airport is a proposed new airport construction project to be located in Helgeland, Norway. The airport, also referred to as Arctic Circle Airport, is expected to replace the existing Mo I Rana Airport Røssvoll and directly affect air service operations at Brønnøy, Mosjoen Kjaerstad and Sandnessjoen Stokka airports. The project received CAA approval in Hauan i Rana. Peab Anlegg AS secured the EUR168.5 million contract for the project.

Jun-2023. Avinor signed an agreement with AF Gruppen for the entire New Mo I Rana/Helgeland Arctic Circle Airport construction project.

Apr-2023. Avinor and AF Gruppen signed ba partial contract to commence construction work for New Mo I Rana/Helgeland Arctic Circle Airport in summer 2023.

Feb-2023. Avinor stated it would not be possible to extend the new New Mo I Rana/Helgeland Arctic Circle Airport runway from 2200m to 2400m within the cost framework for the project. Avinor was commissioned by Norway's Ministry of Transport to consider a 2400m runway extension within the framework allocated for the project. Avinor recommends the full length of the runway be constructed, with the cost up to NOK150 million (EUR13.67 million) covered by the state. Avinor also confirmed that the opening of the new airport for ordinary operations will be postponed to spring 2027.

Nov-2022. Avinor announced the first physical preparatory works at the New Mo I Rana Airport began in Sep-2022. CEO Abraham Foss said Avinor has not yet gained full access to the construction site, with work "currently underway with the local authorities and rightsholders" to facilitate this prior to the completion of the initial works in 1Q2023.

May-2022. Norway's Ministry of Transport and Communications awarded Avinor a licence for the construction and operation of New Mo I Rana/Helgeland Arctic Circle Airport. The Government recently included NOK3.3 billion (EUR327.9 million) for the airport's construction in its revised national budget, including a local contribution of NOK600 million (EUR59.6 million). Construction is expected to commence after summer 2022. The licence is valid until 2042.

May-2021. Norway's Government included NOK3.3 billion (EUR327.9 million) for New Mo I Rana/Helgeland Arctic Circle Airport in its revised national budget, including a local contribution of NOK600 million (EUR59.6 million). Avinor is obtaining licences and permits for the start of construction.

Feb-2020. Arctic Circle Airport Development stated construction of New Mo I Rana Airport is scheduled for completion in 3Q2022.

Jan-2020. Arctic Circle Airport Development awarded a NOK1.7 billion (EUR168.5 million) contract to Peab Anlegg AS for the construction of New Mo I Rana/Helgeland Arctic Circle Airport in Helgeland, Norway. Hæhre Entreprenør AS will act as a subcontractor for the project. Construction is slated to commence on 01-Aug-2020.

May-2019. Arctic Circle Airport Development (Polarsirkelen Lufthavutvikling - PLU) issued a pre tender notice providing information the New Mo I Rana Airport construction project. New airport project details include:

• Contract value of NOK1.6 billion (EUR164.5 million/USD183.2 million);
• Construction of a 2400m runway;
• Construction of an apron with six aircraft stands;
• 6000sqm terminal and 4000sqm service building;
• Operational and maintenance equipment;
• Passenger parking facility for 580 passengers.

Construction is expected to start "as soon as possible", with the aim of commissioning the airport by 3Q2022.

Apr-2017. SAS director of public relations and infrastructure Ove Myrold stated the airline does not see strong demand for routes to Helgeland, raising concerns that the Government's DKK1.5 billion (EUR201 million) commitment to construct New Mo I Rana/Helgeland Arctic Circle Airport will be in vain. Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA communications director Lasse Sandaker-Nielsen added: "we are concerned that a development like this will lead to raised costs" for airlines and passengers.

Mar-2017. Avinor announced Mo I Rana's local government has agreed to construction of New Mo I Rana/Helgeland Arctic Circle Airport in Helgeland by 2029. Avinor stated NOK1.47 billion (EUR160 million/USD174 million) will be invested in the project, with the Mo I Rana municipality and private sector expected to account for NOK600 million (EUR65.3 million/USD71 million) of project costs. 

Mar-2015. Nordic – Office of Architecture and Haptic have been appointed by Avinor to design the New Mo I Rana Airport in Norway. The appointment follows an initial feasibility study carried out by the team in 2010. The airport, located on the west coast of Norway, will provide a gateway to the region. The project incorporates a new terminal building, airport control tower, service buildings and various associated buildings and structures.

May-2014. Avinor confirmed it would proceed with the pilot project of the new airport in Mo i Rana.

Feb-2014. Transport Minister Ketil Solvik-Olsen stated the Ministry has requested Avinor to commence detailed planning and to develop a license application for a new airport at Mo i Rana. Avinor said it would work to immediately commence planning efforts as requested. Mo i Rana is a town and administrative centre of the municipality of Rana in Nordland county, Norway. It is located just south of the Arctic Circle and in the Helgeland region of Nordland.

Oct-2013. Avinor is reported to be planning a major invest programme for the construction of a new airport in Mo i Rana. The airport is currently in its final phases of design, with an expected completion by 2017. The project is expected to include a 2200m runway.

Apr-2013. Norway's Avinor stated it has proposed a new airport at Helgeland in its 2014-2023 investment period, assuming the closure of Mosjøen Airport Kjærstad and Mo i Rana Airport. Avinor has also recommended construction of a new airport in Lofoten, provided Svolvaer Airport and Leknes Airport shut down. The Ministry intends to await the necessary studies and clarifications and dialogue with local authorities before proceeding further with the project.