Avinor launches Duty Free tender worth up to NOK 50 billion

“This is the most important commercial contract in Avinor. It secures the financing of our nationwide airport network and lays the foundation for its continued development in the years ahead,” says Joachim Lupnaav Johnsen, Executive Vice President for Commercial Areas at Avinor.

Duty Free stores and "Travel value" outlets in the domestic terminals represent Avinor’s largest commercial revenue stream, accounting for approximately 25 percent of the company’s total revenue and around 40 percent of its commercial income. These revenues play a crucial role in financing Avinor’s network of 43 airports across Norway.

Without this income, Avinor would need to increase airline charges in order to maintain today’s nationwide airport network.

“Duty Free stores are among the key reasons Norway is able to sustain a nationwide airport network,” says Iskra Skram, VP Commercial Development Terminal at Avinor.

The largest commercial tender process in many years

The background to the tender is that more than 100 of Avinor’s commercial contracts expire at the end of 2027. Combined, these contracts represent an estimated value of several tens of billions of Norwegian kroner, with Duty Free accounting for by far the largest share.

The tender covers retail outlets at 11 airports, including Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim. Oslo Airport alone generates annual Duty Free revenues exceeding NOK 3.3 billion, while Bergen, Trondheim and Stavanger combined generate more than NOK 1.1 billion annually.

Avinor’s airports served approximately 53 million passengers in 2025, and forecasts indicate that passenger numbers will increase to around 56 million at the start of the contract period. This provides a strong platform for further commercial growth.

Taken together, the tender represents the largest commercial concession opportunity at Nordic airports this decade.

Developing the airport experience of the future

Avinor expects strong growth among international and younger travellers in the years ahead, influencing how its airports are developed and which concepts are introduced.

“The airport is no longer merely a transit point – it is an experience arena. We aim to densify our terminals with more attractive concepts that engage and inspire a broader range of travellers,” says Skram.

Avinor’s commercial revenues amounted to approximately NOK 6.6 billion in 2025, and the development of compelling concepts and new partnerships will be essential to sustaining future growth.

“Our guests should experience our airports as modern, seamless marketplaces where the digital and physical shopping journey are fully integrated,” says Skram.

Enabling innovation and new partnerships

Avinor is seeking partners who can contribute to innovation, development and strong customer experiences throughout the contract period.

“The right partner is action-oriented, adaptable and customer-focused, and capable of remaining relevant despite short trend cycles and a changing passenger mix,” says Skram.

The new contracts are intended to ensure continued value creation and long-term development across Norwegian airports.

“Through this tender process, we will establish strong partnerships that help develop modern and attractive marketplaces, while securing value creation for Avinor and Norwegian society for many years to come,” says Johnsen.

Facts about the tender

Estimated contract value: up to NOK 50 billion
Contract duration: 8 years
Number of airports included: 11
Passenger forecast at contract start: approx. 56 million
Tender launch: first quarter 2026
Contract start: from 2028