Doubling our size – and right on track
After breaking ground in 2011, construction of the new departures and arrivals hall, new railway station and new pier is over sixty percent completed. When the expansion project is completed in April 2017, the capacity of Oslo Airport will rise to 28 million passengers, compared with the current 23 million.
“The opening date is now set for 27 April 2017,” says Øyvind Hasaas, managing director of Oslo Airport.
Simultaneous operation and expansion
It has been a premise ever since the beginning that the expansion project must not pose an obstacle to air travel. In the midst of all the construction, which is one of Norway’s largest land-based development projects, OSL has repeatedly been named Europe's most punctual airport.
“Our challenge is to build and operate simultaneously in the same place, and do it successfully. We are very pleased that we are now halfway and have managed to maintain good punctuality, even in winter,” says Hasaas.
In March, 1015 people were working at the construction site, and the project is far below the industry average in terms of lost time injuries.
“Safety is our highest priority. After four years of construction work, we have not had any serious incidents and I’m happy to say the number of lost time injuries is minimal,” says Hasaas.
Travel will proceed as normal
When the expansion is completed, there will be short walking distances from the new pier, which will provide easy access to public transport and offer many exciting shopping and dining options.
“We have chosen a passenger-friendly solution: We are expanding the existing terminal to boost capacity and we have focused on keeping the concept of a compact airport with short distances,” says Hasaas, adding that this will also apply to passengers during the construction period.
“It requires a lot of planning and coordination, and we take pride in doing everything we can to ensure that the expansion project will not affect passengers, and that travel will proceed as normal.
More temporary solutions
A number of compensating measures are necessary to prevent the expansion project from disrupting travel.
Several gates have been closed to connect the new pier to the existing terminal. One of the consequences of this is that there will be more transport by shuttle bus during the expansion period. In August 2012, a temporary domestic pier was also opened at the request of passengers and airlines, to avoid using shuttle buses to and from domestic aircraft.
Predictability for everyone
Open and precise communication about the expansion project has been crucial, and will continue to be of great importance in the years leading up to the opening.
“We aim to be honest and open with passengers and those who work at the airport. Around 15,000 people employed by 150 companies work at OSL. We are doing everything we can to promise a certain amount of predictability for all,” says Hasaas.
Climate-friendly steps
Oslo Airport's goal is to be as environmentally friendly as an airport can be. A number of steps have consequently been taken to shrink the airport’s carbon footprint.
“Among other things, the roof of the new pier is wood, not steel. Oslo Airport is one of the first in the world to use snow for cooling and waste for heating,” says Hasaas.
“One confirmation that we are on the right track is that the new departures and arrivals hall and the new pier will be certified as 'Excellent' in the BREEAM Bespoke rating system. BREEAM is the world’s foremost environmental assessment method for buildings, and the choice of a wooden roof on the new pier together with sound energy solutions utilising sewage and snow are key elements here.”
In addition, the railway station is being expanded to facilitate an ambitious public transport target of 70%. As of 2014, 65% used public transport for travel to and from the airport.