Avinor’s traffic figures for March: More people are flying – international traffic drives growth in March

Higher passenger numbers and fewer aircraft movements

Although passenger numbers increased at all Avinor airports in March, the number of aircraft movements declined slightly. Around 58,400 aircraft movements were recorded during the month, a decrease of approximately 2.4 per cent compared with last year. This indicates that aircraft on average carried more passengers per departure than before, resulting in a higher load factor.

“March figures show a continued positive development in passenger numbers, particularly driven by international travel. Flights to the Middle East have been significantly affected during March, but this is not visible in the overall figures, suggesting that traffic has partly shifted. At the same time, we see steady development in the domestic market,” says Gaute Skallerud Riise, VP Traffic Development at Avinor.

Passenger numbers so far little affected by the war in the Middle East

Passenger numbers for March appear to be only marginally affected by the outbreak of war in the Middle East. At the same time, it must be noted that much of the traffic and ticket sales were made before hostilities began and before the fuel situation changed dramatically. Avinor is closely monitoring developments. An uncertain security situation and potentially high fuel prices going forward may affect travel activity.

Bergen Airport shows the strongest growth among the largest airports

Bergen Airport, Flesland recorded the strongest passenger growth among the country’s largest airports in March. More than 541,000 passengers travelled via Bergen during the month, almost 6 per cent more than in March last year.

Growth was particularly strong among international passengers, which increased by more than 13 per cent, while domestic traffic also showed a clear rise. This further strengthens Bergen’s role as a key airport for both Western Norway and international travel.

“The development in Bergen reflects both increased international demand and steady activity in the domestic market. It provides a good picture of traffic patterns in the region,” says Skallerud Riise.

Airlines launch their summer programmes with familiar and new destinations

The final weekend of March marks the transition to the airlines’ summer schedules, leading to increased activity at our airports. In addition to more departures and the return of well-known summer destinations, this year’s summer programme also includes several new routes.

“It is encouraging to see the route network expanding, benefiting private travellers, the travel industry and businesses across the country,” Skallerud Riise adds.

See the full list of new destinations in the attachment.

Drone flying increases in spring

In March, 2,316 drone flight plans were registered. This represents an increase of 2 per cent compared with March last year, and as many as 800 more than in February.

“More people fly drones as the weather improves, which is why we see an increase around Easter. We also know that summer is peak season for drone operations,” says Mats Gjertsen, Head of Avinor’s Drone Programme.

“We are pleased that many people operate drones legally, and we encourage everyone to continue doing so as we move towards brighter days and even better conditions for drone flying,” Gjertsen concludes.