list of airports in Norway

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Norway, the land of Vikings, Northern Lights, and breathtaking fjords, is a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty. Getting around this stunning country is often done via air, thanks to its extensive network of airports. Whether you’re planning a trip to the bustling capital or a remote Arctic outpost, understanding Norway’s airport system is key to a smooth journey. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the airports in Norway, helping you navigate your travel plans with ease.

A Unique Airport Landscape

Norway’s geography – characterized by long coastlines, mountains, and sparsely populated areas – has shaped its aviation infrastructure. The country boasts a surprisingly large number of airports, many of which are regional facilities serving smaller communities. This commitment to connectivity ensures even the most remote corners of Norway are accessible. Avinor, the state-owned company, operates the majority of these airports, maintaining high safety and efficiency standards. The airport system is crucial for both tourism and supporting local industries like fishing and oil.

Major International Airports

These airports handle the bulk of international traffic and serve as primary hubs for domestic connections.

  • Oslo Airport (OSL): Located in Gardermoen, just outside Oslo, this is Norway’s largest and busiest airport. It offers flights to destinations worldwide and is a major hub for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), Norwegian Air Shuttle, and Widerøe.

  • Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO): Serving the second-largest city, Bergen, this airport is a vital link to the western fjord region. It provides numerous domestic and international connections, particularly to the UK and other European cities.

  • Stavanger Airport, Sola (SVG): A key airport for the oil industry, Stavanger Airport also serves as a gateway to the popular Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) hiking destination. It offers a good selection of international and domestic flights.

  • Trondheim Airport, Værnes (TRD): Serving central Norway, Trondheim Airport is a significant regional hub with connections to various parts of the country and select international destinations.

Regional Airports: Connecting Communities

Beyond the main international hubs, Norway has a network of regional airports that are essential for local travel and access to remote areas. These airports often feature shorter runways and are served primarily by smaller aircraft, like the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 operated by Widerøe.

Here’s a table listing many of Norway’s airports, categorized by region and with key details:

Airport Name IATA Code City/Region Primarily Served By Notes
Oslo Airport OSL Gardermoen, Oslo All Major Airlines Largest airport in Norway
Bergen Airport, Flesland BGO Bergen SAS, Norwegian, Widerøe Gateway to the fjords
Stavanger Airport, Sola SVG Stavanger SAS, Norwegian, Widerøe Oil industry hub
Trondheim Airport, Værnes TRD Trondheim SAS, Norwegian, Widerøe Central Norway hub
Bodø Airport BOD Bodø SAS, Norwegian, Widerøe Important for Northern Norway
Tromsø Airport TOS Tromsø SAS, Norwegian, Widerøe Arctic tourism gateway
Alta Airport ALT Alta SAS, Norwegian, Widerøe Finnmark region
Kristiansand Airport, Kjevik KSU Kristiansand SAS, Norwegian Southern Norway
Haugesund Airport, Karmøy HAU Haugesund Widerøe, Norwegian West coast of Norway
Molde Airport, Årø MOL Molde Widerøe, Norwegian Romsdal region
Ålesund Airport, Vigra AES Ålesund SAS, Norwegian, Widerøe Sunnmøre region
Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes EVE Harstad/Narvik SAS, Norwegian, Widerøe Ofoten region
Longyearbyen Airport LYS Longyearbyen (Svalbard) SAS Svalbard archipelago
Kirkenes Airport KRN Kirkenes SAS Far North of Norway
Sandefjord Airport Torp TRF Sandefjord Ryanair, Wizz Air Low-cost carrier focus
Moss Airport, Rygge RYG Moss Ryanair Primarily low-cost carrier flights
Fagernes Airport, Leirin FAG Fagernes Widerøe Serves Valdres region
Ørsta–Volda Airport, Hovden HOV Ørsta/Volda Widerøe Serves the Sunnmøre Alps

This table is not exhaustive, as Norway has over 40 airports. It highlights some of the most commonly used.

Getting Around: Domestic Flights and Beyond

Widerøe is the dominant airline for domestic routes, particularly to smaller airports. They operate a fleet of turboprop aircraft designed for short-haul flights and challenging terrain. Norwegian Air Shuttle and SAS also offer extensive domestic networks, focusing on larger cities and popular tourist destinations.

Beyond flights, Norway has a well-developed network of trains, buses, and ferries. However, due to the country’s geography, flying is often the most efficient way to travel long distances or reach remote areas. Consider combining different modes of transport for a more immersive experience.

Tips for Traveling Through Norwegian Airports

  • Arrive Early: Especially during peak season, allow ample time for check-in and security.

  • Check Baggage Allowance: Domestic airlines, particularly Widerøe, may have stricter baggage allowances than international carriers.

  • Be Prepared for Weather: Norwegian weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast and pack accordingly.

  • Utilize Airport Services: Norwegian airports offer a range of services, including free Wi-Fi, restaurants, and duty-free shopping.

  • Consider Regional Airports: Flying into a regional airport can save you time and money, and provide a more direct route to your destination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the largest airport in Norway?
Oslo Airport (OSL) is the largest and busiest airport in Norway.

2. Which airline operates the most domestic flights in Norway?
Widerøe operates the most extensive network of domestic flights, especially to smaller airports.

3. Is it easy to get to the Lofoten Islands by plane?
Yes, several airports serve the Lofoten Islands, including Leknes (LKN), Svolvær (SVJ), and Skagen (SKN), with connections from major cities like Oslo and Bodø.

4. Are Norwegian airports generally efficient?
Yes, Norwegian airports are known for their efficiency and high safety standards, managed by Avinor.

5. Can I find direct flights from the US to Norway?
Yes, direct flights are available from select US cities (like New York, Chicago, and Seattle) to Oslo Airport (OSL).

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