EIB to finance €200m Bergen Airport expansion

With passenger numbers reaching 6 million, Norway’s second largest airport has received a €200 million long-term loan allowing operator Avinor to improve passenger services and cater for growing traffic demand. At present, existing facilities are operating above capacity and many of the airport’s subsystems are heavily congested during peak periods.

The EIB will finance the construction of a new Terminal 3 and its associated airside and landside facilities. This includes a light rail station, which will improve public transport links between the airport and the city centre. The EIB insists environmental aspects are covered in the planning of financed projects. As a consequence, innovative technologies used for the construction of the new terminal infrastructure will help to reduce specific energy consumption by 30 percent. In addition, the light rail station will encourage a modal shift from private cars therefore reducing pollution from road traffic.

Bergen Airport expansion incorporates a new Terminal 3 and light rail station

Jan Vapaavuori, EIB Vice-President with responsibility for lending in Norway, said: “The EIB has made supporting strategic transport infrastructure one of its priorities. Bergen Airport is the key international gateway in western Norway and part of the extended trans-European transport network (TEN-T). We are therefore pleased to support Avinor’s investment, as it will enhance capacity and improve the operational efficiency of Norway’s second busiest airport whilst also increasing its environmental performance.”

Dag Falk-Petersen, Chief Executive Officer at Avinor AS, commented: “Avinor evaluates the different capital markets to secure competitive financing and ensure a solid and robust financial position. Avinor is highly appreciative of the EIB as a sound partner for financing this important project for Avinor at Bergen airport. With today’s transaction, we reap the benefits of a favourable market and further enhance our financial flexibility.”