Avinor Targets Year-Round Growth as Winter Demand Rises
Avinor, which manages a network of 43 airports across Norway, the Nordic region, and the Baltics, recorded a 5% rise in total passenger traffic in 2024, serving more than 51.3 million travelers. The primary driver of this growth was international traffic, which rose by 9% year-over-year, reflecting a strong rebound in cross-border travel and growing interest in Norway as a destination.
Oslo Airport (OSL), the country’s main aviation hub, continues to dominate, handling more than half of Norway’s total air traffic and around 70% of all international passengers. OSL’s route network expanded further in 2024 with Norwegian launching seasonal flights to Toulouse, and SAS adding summer flights to Rhodes along with daily service to New York’s JFK. In March, Hainan Airlines resumed its long-awaited Beijing-Oslo route, restoring direct connectivity with mainland China after a five-year gap. Looking ahead, Norse Atlantic Airways is preparing to launch direct service between Oslo and Phuket in December 2025.
Avinor’s recent focus has been on developing air services that support year-round operations. Traditionally popular as a summer destination, Norway is now being actively promoted as a winter travel hotspot. Martin Langaas, director of traffic development and cargo at Avinor, emphasized that the goal is to turn seasonal interest in Norway’s natural beauty into consistent, sustainable travel throughout the year. “The last few years have proven to us that winter is our goal. We are utilizing this demand to experience winter, the snow and arctic to paint the whole of Norway white,” Langaas said.
To support this strategy, Avinor showcased its plans at Routes Europe 2025, highlighting Norway’s unique value as a winter destination. The company also introduced a new passenger growth bonus scheme, which Langaas described as being well received by airlines seeking to expand their operations in the region.
Rather than focusing exclusively on individual airlines or specific routes, Avinor aims to elevate Norway as a whole. The emphasis is on inbound tourism, economic development, and spreading growth opportunities across all 43 airports in the network. With Norway’s high standard of living, unique arctic experiences, and increasing winter travel appeal, Avinor is positioning the country as a strong year-round market capable of sustaining long-haul and regional air services.
As Avinor refines its approach to route development and invests in sustainable, off-season tourism, Norway is gaining momentum as a premier destination not just for scenic fjords and summer hikes, but also for snow-covered adventures and arctic experiences that attract global travelers throughout the year.
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