Avinor had a profit after tax of minus NOK 256 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to a deficit of NOK 476 million in the same quarter of 2020.

Passenger traffic is around 80 per cent lower than the level in 2019 and the decrease is greatest at the airports with international traffic. Air traffic, measured in number of passengers and flight movements over Avinor's airports, decreased by74.3 per cent and 41.4 per cent respectively compared to the first quarter of 2020.

-Avinor aims to ensure that the Group can operate without subsidies as quickly as possible and be self-funded again.There is  still considerable uncertainty associated with the forecasts for air traffic, but they give a somewhat more optimistic picture than before.We see that domestic traffic in particular is increasing and will continue to increase this summer.The pace of the vaccination programme, decisions by the authorities related to documentation requirements, entry restrictions and infection control regulations, as well as the airlines' route planning determine when foreign traffic will increase," explains Avinor CEO Abraham Foss.

Continuing efforts of efficiency towards 2024

Avinor continues its efforts to streamline operations to ensure the Group's financial strength in the longer term. Avinor's strategic priorities,including the level of operating costs and investments, will be adapted to Avinor's financing capacity and the development of Norwegian aviation.

Development projects and new contracts

A total contract has been entered into with ConstoNord for the construction of a new terminal at Tromsø Airport. The new terminal will be ready by the end of 2023/2024.

The pre-project for a new airport in Bodø has been completed and submitted to the state for quality assurance and decision-making. It is planned that the new airport will be financed through contributions from the state, Bodø municipality and Avinor.

The revised national budget includes a limit of NOK 3.3 billion for a new airport in Mo I Rana,including a local contribution of NOK 600 million.Avinor is in the process of obtaining necessary licenses and permits for the start-up of the construction project, as well as mobilizing the construction organization.

As part of Avinor's own financing, efforts are being made to secure and develop commercial earnings. Tender competitions for a new dutyfree contract were announced in January 2021 and a new parking contract at Oslo Airport in April 2021.