Northern Norway airport construction cost increases

Avinor, the state-owned airport operator, has warned of a budget shortfall for airport developments in Bodø and Mo i Rana in northern Norway. The company estimates that costs for these projects could increase by 1 to 1.5 billion NOK by 2030, representing an approximately 10 percent rise over original budgets.

Avinor attributes these increases to several factors, including the necessity of relocating Bodø airport to support urban development and new requirements from the Norwegian Armed Forces. The company noted that the changing security situation, influenced by the war in Ukraine, has contributed to higher costs. Avinor has stated it is “unreasonable for civil aviation to bear these additional expenses” and is seeking engagement with the military and government departments.

The projected deficit has led to a dispute between Avinor, Forsvarsbygg, the Norwegian state, and various airlines regarding responsibility for the costs. While Avinor claims military requirements added several hundred million NOK to the Bodø project, Forsvarsbygg has stated that Avinor has not yet documented that the military presence caused these specific unforeseen costs. Industry representatives have warned that if the deficit is not covered by the state, Avinor may increase airport fees, potentially leading to more expensive flight tickets for passengers.