Avinor admits underestimating growth as Tromsø Airport expansion plans accelerate

Avinor has acknowledged that passenger growth at Tromsø Airport has far exceeded expectations, leading to congestion and periods of severe disruption for travellers. Despite a terminal expansion that officially opened in September 2024, the airport is already operating beyond its intended capacity.

“When we made the investment decision back in 2016 to increase capacity to 2.7 million passengers, it was based on the traffic forecasts available at the time. In retrospect, we were all wrong,” said Anders Kirsebom, Executive Vice President of Avinor’s Regional and Local Airports Division. Passenger numbers have grown significantly faster than anticipated, driven largely by increasing shuttle traffic from European airports and a surge in Arctic tourism.

Avinor’s existing master plan already envisages expanding Tromsø Airport to handle 3.5 million annual passengers, and work has now begun on developing concrete plans for this next phase. Current concepts include relocating security screening from the second floor to the first floor, expanding the terminal footprint by an additional 400–500 square metres, and improving passenger flows through check-in and departure areas. While the expansion will add space, Avinor is not committing to increased staffing at this stage.

The airport has faced growing criticism this winter, with passengers reporting chaotic conditions during peak periods. Airport manager Ivar Helsing Schrøen welcomed Avinor’s move, noting that the rapid growth affects not only tourism but also regional development, business activity, and the daily mobility of Tromsø’s residents.

Alongside terminal planning, Avinor is already investing heavily in airside infrastructure. Two new aircraft parking stands are nearing completion, a new de-icing platform is under construction, and work is underway on a new aircraft holding area. These measures alone are expected to cost around NOK 1 billion and are intended to relieve capacity constraints while longer-term terminal expansion plans are developed.