Airport changes will keep fish flying from Norway

Avinor, the state-owned operator of Oslo Airport – a key export hub for the country’s seafood industry – has proposed moving the cargo area as part of plans to ensure the airport keeps pace with growing demand.

“We have essentially put the entire Oslo Airport on the drawing board,” said airport director Thorgeir Landevaag.

“We need to take action on the capacity side quite immediately, and at the same time look further ahead. That is why we have worked on a concept that we believe will stand the test of time, while also taking care of future space needs.”

Landevaag said Norway depends on a strong and well-functioning shipping system for seafood and other critical goods. Seafood is the country’s second largest export (after fossil fuels), and Oslo Airport is a key hub in the global transport chain.

More cargo capacity

“The plans involve moving the current cargo area to the west side of the airport with new associated cargo and logistics terminals. This will ensure both capacity and delivery stability for an industry that is crucial for national logistics preparedness and export power, and not least create many new jobs,” said the airport director.

The establishment of freight on the west side will also free up space and capacity that can be used for further development of passenger traffic and new routes.

Avinor, which operates 43 state-owned airports in Norway, will also optimise the use of the airport’s two runways to allow for more aircraft movements without a major land or natural disturbance. The new capacity utilisation may postpone the need for a third runway.

The project as a whole is estimated to be ready by 2040, with the freight area as the first phase – subject to necessary investment decisions and further approval.