– We are in a critical phase and we have been for some time, says Martin Laurhammar. He is the chairman of Lufthavndrift AS, which has operated the airport in Karmøy since May 2019.
In a letter to Avinor dated November 12, the company warns that they may have to suspend operations.
It was Haugesunds Avis that first reported on the matter.
The deficit for 2024 is expected to be 21 million Norwegian kroner.
Next year, the runway and lighting system must be upgraded for between 50 and 75 million Norwegian kroner.
That is money Lufthavndrift does not have.
Chairman Martin Laurhammar.
Photo: Gisle Jørgensen / NRK
For even though air traffic has returned to normal after three tough pandemic years, they lost a lot of money during this period.
In addition, the state has made several fee changes in recent years that have resulted in revenues being significantly lower than expected.
Fear businesses will choose to avoid Hauges
Silence from the Minister of Transport
This autumn, he requested a meeting with Minister of Transport Jon-Ivar Nygård to explain the situation but has not received a response.
NRK sent several questions to the ministry and the minister on Friday morning.
On Friday afternoon, senior communications advisor Frøydis Tornøe wrote this in an email:
– The Minister of Transport plans to meet with Lufthavndrift AS and has proposed a meeting time next week. As the meeting has not yet taken place, it is not natural to respond to these questions now.
Avinor could be a solution
To secure the airport in the short term, Laurhammar believes a solution could be for Avinor to take over, but with Lufthavndrift operating the airport and finding an arrangement together.
Avinor writes in an email to NRK that they are responding to the notification they have received from Lufthavndrift and will wait until the issue is discussed with the Minister of Transport.
– Avinor has always been clear that we want Lufthavndrift to succeed with their venture. The operation has functioned well alongside the Avinor system, writes Anders Kirsebom.
He is the corporate director for regional airports at Avinor. He adds that it is the Parliament that determines how the airport structure should be in Norway and that Avinor operates the airports they have been mandated to operate.
– Avinor cannot make a decision regarding the future operation of Haugesund Airport or the model it will be operated on, he says.
Published
15.11.2024, kl. 18.10
Updated
15.11.2024, kl. 18.14
How might the financial situation at Karmøy Airport impact local businesses and the economy in Haugesund?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Martin Laurhammar, Chairman of Lufthavndrift AS
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Martin. You mentioned that the situation at Karmøy Airport is critical. Can you elaborate on what this critical phase means for the airport and its operations?
Martin Laurhammar: Thank you for having me. We are indeed in a critical phase that has been ongoing for some time. The challenges we face are primarily financial. Despite air traffic returning to normal post-pandemic, the losses we’ve endured during those tough years have significantly impacted our current standing. We’re currently looking at a projected deficit of 21 million Norwegian kroner for 2024, which poses a serious threat to our operations.
Editor: That does sound daunting. What specific financial pressures are you facing, and how has that affected your ability to maintain the airport facilities?
Martin Laurhammar: Well, one of our immediate needs is upgrading the runway and lighting system, which will cost between 50 and 75 million Norwegian kroner. Unfortunately, we simply don’t have that money available right now. Coupled with several fee changes made by the state in recent years, our revenue has fallen significantly below expectations, exacerbating the financial strain we’re under.
Editor: It seems like a perfect storm of challenges. I understand you’ve reached out to the Minister of Transport for support. What was that communication like, and what response have you received?
Martin Laurhammar: I reached out this autumn to request a meeting with Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård to discuss our situation in detail, but unfortunately, I have yet to receive a response. This silence has only heightened our concern, as we fear businesses may start avoiding Haugesund due to uncertainty surrounding airport operations.
Editor: That’s certainly troubling. How do you think this situation could impact businesses and the economy in the region?
Martin Laurhammar: The airport is vital for local businesses, providing access and connectivity that are essential for economic growth. If we are unable to maintain operations, it could deter investments and disrupt the flow of goods and services. Ultimately, this affects local jobs and the economic prospects for the entire region.
Editor: Given the urgency of the situation, what are your next steps moving forward?
Martin Laurhammar: We are actively exploring all possible avenues for funding and support, including potential partnerships and government assistance. We will also continue to engage with stakeholders and the community to raise awareness of our situation, hoping to resonate with those in positions to help us find a solution.
Editor: It sounds like you have a robust plan for advocacy and outreach. If you could send a message to the Minister or other policymakers, what would it be?
Martin Laurhammar: I would urge them to recognize the critical importance of Karmøy Airport to the region and to act swiftly. Our operational sustainability hugely influences not just our airport but the economy of Haugesund and beyond. We need proactive support and collaboration to secure a future where we can continue serving our community.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Martin. We hope the necessary support comes your way soon, and we will continue to follow the situation closely.
Martin Laurhammar: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these pressing issues. It’s crucial to keep the conversation going.