Avinor Begins Trials for Multiple Remote Tower Operations

Avinor has initiated trial operations of a new multiple airport management system at its Remote Tower Centre in Bodø, Norway, allowing a single air traffic controller to oversee more than one airport from the same workstation.

 

The advance represents a significant step in digital air traffic control technology. The trials involve pairs of smaller regional airports — including Rørvik–Namsos, Mehamn–Hasvik, Vardø–Berlevåg and Røst–Svolvær — and aim to improve operational flexibility, resilience and efficiency without reducing safety standards.

The system builds on extensive upgrades, updated procedures and training for personnel at the Remote Tower Centre. Clear criteria have been established for activating and suspending multiple-airport mode, which is currently being evaluated in close cooperation with operator Widerøe and the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority.

Avinor says the initiative is a world first in remote tower operations and positions Bodø as an international centre of excellence for digital air traffic services. The trials aim to verify how humans, procedures and technology interact in live operations, while maintaining safety levels comparable to traditional control towers.

If successful, the capability to manage several airports from one workstation could be rolled out in phases to more sites across Norway, helping the organisation make better use of resources and enhance contingency planning at low-traffic facilities.

Avinor operates a network of regional airports throughout Norway and has developed digital tower expertise since 2019, using advanced camera and sensor systems to support remote operations at multiple locations.