Avinor reports 1 to 1.5 billion NOK cost overrun for northern airports

Avinor has announced a cost overrun of between 1 billion and 1.5 billion NOK regarding the construction of two new airports in northern Norway. This budget deficit has triggered a dispute between Avinor, Forsvarsbygg, the Norwegian state, and various airlines over who will cover the additional expenses.

Avinor claims that changed requirements from the Norwegian Armed Forces have added several hundred million NOK in costs to the new Bodø airport project. Anders Kirsebom, Avinor's group director and airport project leader, stated that it is unreasonable for civil aviation to bear these costs.

In response, Forsvarsbygg has stated that Avinor has not yet documented that the military presence in Bodø caused these unforeseen costs. If the state or Forsvarsbygg does not cover the deficit, Avinor may be forced to increase airport fees. Erik Lahnstein, CEO of NHO Luftfart, noted that such fee increases could lead to more expensive flight tickets for passengers.