Avinor closes 2025 with solid traffic growth, driven by strong international demand

Norwegian airport operator Avinor recorded a solid traffic performance in 2025, with passenger numbers across its airports rising by 3 per cent year-on-year to an estimated 53 million. Growth was particularly strong in international travel, confirming Norway’s increasing appeal as a year-round destination, especially during the winter season.

December capped the year with encouraging results. Passenger traffic increased by 3.8 per cent compared with December 2024, supported by a 5.2 per cent rise in international passengers and 2.6 per cent growth in domestic travel. Commercial aircraft movements rose by 7 per cent in December and by 2 per cent over the full year.

Northern Norway was a key growth driver. Tromsø Airport posted a 13 per cent increase in total passengers in December, including a striking 21 per cent rise in international traffic, temporarily becoming Norway’s third-largest airport after Oslo and Bergen. Bodø Airport grew by 10 per cent and Evenes by 12 per cent, underlining the region’s strong position in the winter tourism market.

Over the course of 2025, Avinor launched 22 new routes and welcomed two new airlines, highlighting Norway’s continued international attractiveness. However, Avinor noted that international growth at Oslo Airport lagged behind other Scandinavian hub airports, pointing to a need to strengthen Norway’s competitiveness and accessibility.

Drone activity also increased significantly. December saw 1,354 registered drone operations, up 28 per cent year-on-year, while total drone flights in 2025 reached 31,632, a 30 per cent increase compared with 2024.

Despite the positive trend, overall passenger volumes remain slightly below pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, Avinor’s airports handled 54 million passengers, compared with approximately 53 million in 2025.