Norway’s main airport has never been busier than it is this summer. Friday 15 June is the busiest day for jetting off, and more than 106,000 passengers are expected to depart from or arrive at Oslo Airport.
“We’re heading for a summer with an incredibly high number of passengers. Several days will see more than 100,000 people jetting off. We expect to be very busy throughout June and July, but we’re well prepared,” says communications manager at Oslo Airport Joachim Westher Andersen.
He recommends that passengers give themselves a little extra time this summer.
“We recommend giving yourselves a little extra time, as so many people will be heading away at the same time. If you’re travelling outside the Schengen area, bear in mind that there will be more passengers than normal going through passport control.”
Improvements at border control
In co-operation with Oslo Airport, the police have implemented self-service passport checks for both departing and arriving passengers, who can carry out passport checks themselves automatically. This service is available to citizens over the age of 18 from Norway, Iceland, and the EU.
“Self-service passport control has more capacity than manual passport control. The service is currently in the implementation and testing phase, so the number of self-service kiosks in operation will vary,” says police officer Lars Hegstad, who oversees the police’s border control at Oslo Airport.
He says that passengers must still be prepared to queue at passport control during the busiest periods.
“We hope, however, that the introduction of self-service passport checks will reduce queue times,” says Hegstad.
Security control
You can save a lot of time at security control if you come prepared and don’t have any liquids in containers larger than 100 ml. The containers must be placed in a transparent, resealable, and closed plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre. You must not bring any sharp objects on board. Remember to remove all metal items from your body, and take any laptops, tablets, phones, and cameras out of your bag when passing through security control.
“If everyone is prepared before they come through security control, we can improve the flow of passengers and reduce waiting times,” says Andersen.
Do you need a wheelchair or other assistance at the airport? Order assistance here.
Tie straps
If you check in your luggage yourself using a self-service kiosk, it is important that you tie up any long straps or cords so that they cannot get caught in the baggage belt. This applies to rucksacks and bags in particular. If in any doubt of whether your luggage is properly packed, speak with a member of check-in staff.
Travelling with kids this summer?
Our popular family lanes at security control can be used by anyone travelling with children under the age of 12 or children travelling alone.
“After security, we have children’s pushchairs for passengers to use. These are free to use and can be left at the gate when you board your flight,” explains Andersen.
Once through security control, there’s a lot to keep passengers occupied at the airport. There are a variety of eateries, a range of shopping outlets, a hairdresser, individual workstations, play areas for kids, a breastfeeding room, and a wide range of lounges for passengers who want to relax in quieter surroundings.
You can find an overview of places to eat at Oslo Airport here.
Parking
Book your parkingOslo Airport has a variety of public transport options for getting to and from the airport, which we encourage passengers to use. But if you would still rather come by car and park, we would recommend booking a space in advance.
https://avinor.no/flyplass/oslo/parkering/
“By booking in advance, you secure the best price and a space,” says the communications manager.
In April Oslo Airport launched its new “Park&Go” concept, which is the easiest way to park at the airport. All you need to do is drive to the area in front of the terminal nearest the door, leave your keys, and head straight to the departure hall. We’ll park your car for you.
If you have any questions related to your visit to Oslo Airport, passenger service is ready to help around the clock. You’ll find them in the arrivals hall. Send a message to our inbox or on our Facebook page and we’ll do everything we can to help. We monitor Facebook around the clock, all year round.
Source: Avinor / Norway Today
