Today, Oslo Airport opened a new departure hall, parts of the new security control, the international section of the North Pier with new gate areas and a brand new duty-free shop for departing passengers. In the period before 27 April 2017, the new areas will be in trial operation with limited traffic.
“An important milestone for Avinor and a big day for Norwegian transport and communications”, says managing director of Oslo Airport, Øyvind Hasaas.
“Although this is a historic milestone for us, it is important to underline that this is a trial operation. In the first phase, the new check-in areas in the new departure hall will only be used by a limited number of long-distance passengers flying with Norwegian. All other traffic will go from the old departure hall, but the passengers are now advised to switch off their auto pilots and pay attention to the signs. “There are many changes to become familiar with”, explains Hasaas.
During the trial period, the new facilities will be opened for use in several stages. Norwegian’s passengers will gradually be transferred to the new check-in areas. SAS, Widerøe and companies associated with Star Alliance will be using the old check-in areas.
“We believe this is an arrangement that is clear and easy to understand for the passengers. The two largest airlines flying from Oslo Airport will each occupy a section of the terminal”, explains Hasaas.
A new area for passenger security control has also been opened, with seven lanes running at the time being. The area will be completed during the trial period, and in total there will be 11 new security lanes for passengers here.
The North Pier is put into trial operation
After passing the security check, you enter the North Pier departure terminal with its new duty-free shop (TRN) and several other commercial areas. The flexigates in the North Pier will now be able to service incoming international flights that are continuing domestically – and vice versa – efficiently for both airlines and passengers.
“This area will also be put into trial operation today. We are starting off with only a few flights to and fro the North Pier, and will then be scaling up gradually. When we open in April 2017, it is important that we can offer a well functioning airport”, says the managing director of Oslo Airport.
The domestic section of the North Pier (C gates) was put into trial operation on 13 October.
Continuing construction work
There will still be high building activity in certain areas until the opening. This will involve some noise and temporary infrastructure at the airport.
“Although we have opened the new areas, there is still a lot of work remaining on the new shops, restaurants and bars. Much of this is set to be finished by April 2017, but construction work will, to a varying degree, continue throughout 2017”, says Hasaas.
Opening new commercial areas
The new duty-free shop for arriving passengers opened on 1 September, and was today followed by the opening of Starbucks and the travel shop Rolling Luggage in the new departure hall.
“Most Norwegians are familiar with Starbucks. It is a world famous brand that is already very popular with the passengers, and we are happy to continue working with them. Rolling Luggage is a new acquaintance, a shop where you can buy anything you need for the journey. We know this has been in demand, and we are of course very glad to offer this to the passengers”, says Hasaas.
New duty-free and bookshop
The passengers will today be able to experience the new duty-free shop in the departure terminal and the bookshop Tanum for the first time. In addition, the Aquavit Bar in departure terminal reopens with a new look.
“The new duty-free shop in the departure terminal will be considerably larger than the current one, which means more space for pleasant shopping experiences. The old duty-free shop will be rebuilt and is therefore closed for a period. A bigger selection of products, wide and spacious aisles and even better service will give both domestic and international passengers a better start to their journey. Tanum’s new, large bookstore will also contribute to this”, says Hasaas.
Switch off the auto pilot
Until April 2017, the managing director of Oslo Airport advices all passengers to switch off the auto pilot, pay attention to all signs and follow the information provided by the airlines and staff at the airport.
“Many changes have been made, and this means that you have to be a bit more alert. We and the airlines will be doing our very best to make your journey better, and we are confident that our new and wonderful facilities will contribute to this”, he says.
Thanks to all passengers
Hasaas concludes by thanking all passengers for the patience they have shown since the construction work started in 2012.
“Our aim has been to build and operate the airport without causing problems for the passengers or interfering too much with traffic. I therefore want to thank all the passengers for their patience. We are now approaching the end of the project, but more restaurants and bars will open throughout 2017, which means that there will still be some construction work.
27 April marks the official opening of the new Oslo Airport
Source: Avinor / Norway Today
