Avinor’s Traffic Development VP is looking at autumn and winter passenger numbers across Norway with “some uncertainty”, as May monthly traffic remains 8% behind pre-pandemic levels. 

While 4.3 million passengers used Norway’s state-owned airports in May 2023, representing a 2% increase year-on-year, volumes remain suppressed, national airport operator Avinor has said.

Passenger numbers were 8% below May 2019 levels, with aircraft movements 7% lower over the same period at 64,480.

Domestic travel continues to stall, with 2.5 million passengers for May, 6% fewer than May 2022, and the second consecutive month where volumes slipped year-on-year.

While international travel soared 18% year-on-year, volumes remained 9% down on May 2019. 

Figures for the year to date show that Norway passenger numbers are 13% below 2019 levels, with aircraft movements falling 9%.

The totals take into account passengers and aircraft movements in, out or via Avinor’s 43 airports.

“Although our passenger figures still remain lower than they were before the pandemic, we remain optimistic about the traffic outlook for the summer holiday,” said Gaute Skallerud Riise, VP Traffic Development at Avinor.

“June is the month with the highest forecasted passengers, with 94% of 2019 figures. The outlook for the rest of the year is somewhat weaker. 

“Given the challenging macroeconomic situation characterised by inflation and rising interest rates, we are monitoring developments closely and look on the developments for the autumn and winter with some uncertainty.”

Avinor made significant progress on a number of aviation projects in the first quarter of 2023 including breaking ground on the new airport in Bodø, and opening the new Tromsø Airport terminal building.