Norway considers cutting six state-subsidized flight routes

A new investigation by Oslo Economics and Norconsult has proposed significant changes to Norway’s public service obligation (FOT) aviation scheme. The report outlines two main options for the government to consider when current agreements expire in 2027: maintaining all ten current routes with adjustments, or removing six routes from the state-subsidized program.

Proposed cuts include the Sogndal–Bergen and Stord–Oslo routes. Removing these routes could save the state approximately 1.8 billion NOK over a four-year period. Local leaders, including the mayors of Sogndal and Stord, have voiced strong opposition to the proposal.

Critics argue the investigation fails to account for the economic value these routes generate for local businesses and the necessity of regular travel for patients and elderly citizens. In Stokmarknes, concerns have been raised that improved road access to Evenes Airport should not be used as a justification to eliminate local services, as Skagen remains more accessible for specific regions and critical medical transport.