Norwegian airport operator Avinor reported improved financial results for the first half of 2026, supported by higher passenger volumes and increased revenue per traveller despite geopolitical uncertainty and rising operating costs.
A total of 25.9 million passengers travelled through Avinor’s airport network during the first six months of the year, up 2.1% compared with the same period in 2025. International traffic continued to outpace domestic growth, while Bergen Airport recorded the strongest increase among the group’s major airports.
“Avinor has a robust operation and delivers results in line with expectations, despite international unrest. We continue to develop our airports and passenger offering to meet new travel patterns and customer groups, while maintaining our focus on safe and stable operations. Avinor continues to actively pursue cost reductions,” said CEO Abraham Foss.
Revenue Reaches NOK 7.1 Billion
Avinor generated total operating income of NOK 7.1 billion during the first half of 2026. Adjusted for other income, this represented an 8.6% increase year-on-year.
The improvement was driven by both higher revenue per passenger and the increase in overall passenger numbers.
Operating expenses reached NOK 4.6 billion, up 4.7% on an adjusted basis compared with the first half of 2025. Avinor attributed the increase primarily to general wage and price inflation, alongside higher energy costs.
Adjusted operating profit reached NOK 1.1 billion, an improvement of NOK 288 million from the corresponding period last year.
Operational performance also improved. Across the airport network, average punctuality over the past 12 months reached 87%, two percentage points higher than in the first half of 2025 and above Avinor’s overall target of 85%. Average regularity remained at 98%.
Bergen Leads Passenger Growth
Bergen Airport recorded the strongest passenger growth in Avinor’s network during the first half, with traffic increasing by 6.9%.
Regional airports also performed strongly, with combined passenger numbers up 4.8%. Tromsø, Bodø and Harstad/Narvik were among the main contributors to this growth.
Domestic passenger traffic increased by 1.2%, while international traffic rose by 3.6%. International passengers represented 41.5% of total traffic during the period, compared with 40.9% a year earlier.
During the second quarter alone, Avinor’s airports handled 14 million passengers, representing year-on-year growth of 0.7%.
Aircraft movements across the network increased by a more modest 0.4% during the first half. Domestic movements declined by 0.2%, while international movements edged up 0.1%. Offshore movements recorded a significantly stronger increase of 8.4%.
Avinor Continues Cost-Cutting Programme
Avinor said it will continue efforts to reduce costs while managing several major government-mandated projects across Norway’s aviation infrastructure.
These include the construction of new airports in Bodø and Mo i Rana, the rollout of new security controls at several airports, defence-related projects at Evenes and Andøya, and the implementation of new air navigation systems.
The company also highlighted the potential impact of changing national security requirements, particularly projects involving the Norwegian Armed Forces, which could result in higher costs across parts of its investment portfolio.
International Traffic Expected to Drive Future Growth
Avinor continues to monitor geopolitical developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on aviation. So far, the effects on its operations have been limited primarily to reduced air traffic movements to the region.
However, the airport operator is monitoring possible consequences for passenger demand, energy prices, aviation fuel availability and airline capacity planning.
Looking further ahead, Avinor expects moderate passenger growth, with traffic across its network projected to reach approximately 59 million passengers by 2032.
Much of that expansion is expected to come from international markets, supported by a growing number of overseas visitors travelling to Norway. Domestic traffic, meanwhile, is expected to follow a flatter trajectory.
