Ålesund Airport, Vigra

Ålesund Airport, Vigra (Ålesund lufthavn, Vigra) is not just an air gateway to one of the most picturesque cities in Norway, but an interesting site in itself. It is uniquely located on the island of Vigra and is connected to the city of Ålesund by a system of undersea tunnels, turning the journey from the airport into a small adventure. As an important transport hub on the west coast, Vigra serves as a starting point for trips to the famous fjords, including the Geirangerfjord, which is under UNESCO protection. Opened in 1958, today it is a modern and comfortable airport.

Despite its relatively small size, Vigra Airport offers everything necessary for travelers. Its key advantage is well-thought-out and convenient logistics. Special shuttle buses (Flybuss) run between the airport and the center of Ålesund, and their schedule is coordinated with the arrival and departure of most flights, making it easy to get to the city.

The airport terminal is quite modern and cozy. Passengers are provided with free Wi-Fi, several cafes and shops, as well as car rental points. This is especially convenient for tourists planning to explore the impressive fjord region on their own. Thanks to its location and excellent transport connections, Vigra Airport is an ideal starting point for discovering the stunning nature of western Norway.

Below you will find the main contact information for Ålesund Airport, Vigra (AES), which will help you plan your trip and resolve possible questions.

• Official Website: The most up-to-date information on flights, services, and rules is available on the official Avinor operator website: avinor.no/flyplass/alesund.
• Help Desk Phone: For consultations, you can call the unified Avinor contact center at +47 67 03 10 00.
• Airport Address: Ålesund lufthamn, 6040 Vigra, Norge (Norway).
• Email: The airport does not provide a direct email address for communication. It is recommended to use the special contact form on the official website for all inquiries.
• Social Media: You can follow general news from the operator of Norway's airports on official Avinor pages on social networks such as Facebook or Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost during the flight, contact your airline's representative first. If you lost personal belongings within the terminal, use the online search service (Hittegods), a link to which is available on the airport website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and assistance, you can contact the help desk phone number listed above.

Getting to Ålesund Airport, Vigra (AES) from the city center of Ålesund and back is possible via several convenient methods. The airport is located on the island of Vigra, approximately 18 kilometers from the city, and the road itself is a scenic journey through underwater tunnels. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and plans for further travel across Norway.

Public Transport: Flybussen Bus
The most popular and economical way is the special shuttle bus Flybussen. Its schedule is closely linked to flight arrivals and departures, making it a very convenient option. The bus travels from the airport to the Ålesund central bus station (Ålesund rutebilstasjon), making stops at key hotels along the way. The trip takes approximately 25-30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from the driver, at a machine, or online, often at a discount. Please note that there is no train or metro connection to the airport.

Taxi and Private Transfer
For maximum comfort, especially if you are traveling with family or a large amount of luggage, you can use a taxi. The taxi stand is located directly at the exit of the arrival terminal. The trip to the city center will take about 20-25 minutes. This is the fastest, but also the most expensive option. The cost of the trip is significantly higher than by bus. You can also book a private transfer in advance, which guarantees a fixed price and a meeting with the driver in the arrivals hall.

Car Rental and Parking
If you plan to explore the fjords and picturesque surroundings of Ålesund, renting a car is the ideal solution. Offices of several major rental companies are located at the airport. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the high tourist season. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, convenient parking is provided. There are zones for short-term and long-term parking located within walking distance of the terminal.

If your route through the region includes other cities, it is useful to know about nearby air hubs. Nearby are Ørsta-Volda Airport, Hovden in Ørsta, Molde Airport, Årø, as well as airports in Sandane and Kristiansund. A bit further away is Florø Airport.

Ålesund Airport, Vigra (AES) is distinguished by its compactness and well-thought-out organization, making it very convenient for travelers. You won't have to worry about long walks or complex navigation, as all infrastructure is concentrated in one modern passenger terminal.

Structure and Navigation

The terminal serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to the airport's small size, orienting yourself here is very simple. The terminal layout is intuitive:

• Check-in and Arrival Zone is located on the ground floor. Immediately at the entrance, you will find airline check-in counters and self-service kiosks. The arrival area with baggage claim belts is also located here and leads directly to the exit, where taxi stands, buses, and car rental offices are situated.
• Departure and Security Zone is located after the check-in counters. After passing security control, you enter the general departure hall. Boarding gates, shops, and cafes are located here.

Features and Processing Times

Since the airport in Ålesund has only one terminal, transitions between different zones take minimal time. There is no need for shuttles or long corridors here. The entire path from the airport entrance to the boarding gate can be walked in a few minutes.

Check-in and security screening usually proceed significantly faster than in major international hubs. Typically, this takes no more than 15-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: 1-1.5 hours before a domestic flight and 2 hours before an international one, to check in luggage and complete all formalities without rushing.

Navigation Recommendations

The best advice for passengers at Vigra Airport is not to worry. All signs are clear and understandable. After passing security control, you will find yourself in a cozy waiting hall with everything you need: a Duty-Free shop, several food outlets, and comfortable seating with a view of the runway. Due to the airport's compactness, you will always be just a few steps away from your boarding gate.

The history of Ålesund Airport, Vigra (AES) is the story of how a small regional airfield turned into an important international gateway for western Norway. The official opening took place on June 7, 1958. Its construction was a strategic step to improve transport accessibility for the Sunnmøre region, which until that moment was heavily dependent on maritime transport. Initially, the airport had one runway 1,600 meters long, and the first terminal was a simple wooden building.

A key stage of development was the construction of a new terminal in 1986, which significantly increased capacity. In subsequent years, the airport's infrastructure was constantly improved. The runway was extended to 2,314 meters, opening the possibility for accommodating larger aircraft and operating international flights. This was a turning point that transformed Vigra into an important hub for charter tourist transport.

In the 2000s, the airport underwent another large-scale modernization to meet the growing demands of international travel. The terminal was expanded and updated, new halls for international departures and arrivals appeared, and the passenger service system was improved. Today, Ålesund Airport, Vigra not only serves regular flights to major European cities but is also a critical transport hub for the region's oil, gas, and maritime industries.

Interesting fact: the airport is located on the island of Vigra and is connected to the city of Ålesund and the mainland via a system of impressive underwater road tunnels. This engineering solution is a landmark in itself and symbolizes how modern technology has helped integrate this remote but economically vital region into the global transport network.

At Ålesund Airport, Vigra (AES), passengers will find all key amenities for a comfortable journey. Before departure, you can visit local cafes and restaurants to have a snack or drink coffee. In the departure zone, there is a Duty-Free shop where you can purchase perfumes, sweets, and traditional Norwegian souvenirs.

For those for whom staying connected or working is important, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Finding a place to charge a phone or laptop is also easy — there are power outlets in the waiting halls. Additionally, for business travelers, the airport offers rental of modern conference rooms, allowing meetings to be held right on site.

ATMs for cash withdrawal are installed in the terminal. Please note that in small regional airports, currency exchange points may operate on a limited schedule or be absent, so it is better to have local currency with you. There are no VIP lounges at the airport, but the general waiting areas are sufficiently comfortable. If necessary, staff can provide first aid.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with special needs. Escort services are provided (recommended to book in advance through the airline), and the terminal is equipped with ramps and accessible toilets. For families with small children, there are mother and child rooms with changing tables, making waiting for the flight more convenient.

There are no hotels directly within the airport building, but several hotels are located a few minutes' drive away. A large selection of accommodation options can be found in the city of Ålesund itself, where shuttle buses run regularly. This is a great opportunity to get to know one of the most beautiful cities in Norway.

Ålesund Airport, Vigra (AES), being an important regional hub, offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a full lunch. Although the selection here is not as large as in major international hubs, you certainly won't go hungry. The main food outlets are located both in the public zone before security control and in the departure hall.

After passing security control (airside), you will find the main establishment — a café-bar operating on a self-service basis. It offers a standard assortment for travelers: fresh pastries, sandwiches, salads, yogurts, as well as hot and cold drinks. This is an ideal place to spend time comfortably while waiting for a flight. For those wanting a more substantial meal, soup of the day or several simple hot dishes are usually available.

Do not miss the opportunity to try something with local flair. Look for shrimp sandwiches (rekesmørbrød) or smoked salmon — classics of Norwegian cuisine. Regarding dietary preferences, vegetarian sandwiches and salads are usually available. Choices for vegans or passengers requiring gluten-free meals may be limited, so it is better to check with staff for suitable options.

Before the control zone (landside), there is also a small point where you can quickly drink coffee and eat a hot dog or a bun. Please note that prices for food and drinks at Ålesund Airport, as in all of Norway, are quite high. The cost of a snack will be significantly higher than in city cafes. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule — they open early in the morning and close after the departure of the last flight.

Planning a trip through Ålesund Airport, Vigra will go smoothly if you take a few tips into account. This airport serves the picturesque fjord region, and proper preparation will help you enjoy your journey from the very beginning.

Arrival time at the airport: For domestic flights within Norway, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. If you have an international flight, it is better to arrive 2–3 hours in advance. This will give you enough time for check-in, baggage drop, and passing security control without rushing, especially during the tourist season.

Check-in and Security Control: To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. Vigra Airport is relatively small, so queues here are rarely long. However, standard security rules apply here too: prepare liquids in advance (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) and be ready to remove electronics from your carry-on luggage.

Choosing a seat on the plane: When flying to or from Ålesund, be sure to choose a window seat. The views of the fjords, islands, and mountains of the Sunnmøre Alps are simply mesmerizing. The direction is not so important — scenic landscapes open up from both sides of the aircraft, giving unforgettable impressions even before landing.

Carry-on Luggage: Standard international rules apply here as well. Sharp objects, flammable liquids, and other dangerous substances are prohibited in carry-on luggage. All liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml. Norway is known for its pure drinking water, so feel free to take an empty bottle with you and fill it after passing control.

Connecting Passengers: Ålesund Airport, Vigra is not a major transfer hub, so navigation here is simple. If you are transferring from an international flight to a domestic one, you will likely need to pass customs control and re-check your luggage. Check this point with your airline.

Customs Control: In Norway, as in most European countries, the "Green" and "Red" channel system operates. If you do not have goods to declare, feel free to go through the "Green" channel. Remember that Norway has strict restrictions on the import of alcohol, tobacco products, and certain food items. If in doubt, it is better to choose the "Red" channel and consult with a customs officer.

Saving Time and Money: The easiest way to save is to book everything in advance: airline tickets, airport parking, and transfer to the city. Prices at the airport for food and drinks are quite high, so bring a light snack with you. Using a reusable water bottle will also help save your budget.

In case of flight delay: First, contact your airline representative for up-to-date information. Norway adheres to EU/EEA rules on air passenger rights, which may provide for meals, drinks, or even hotel accommodation depending on the length of the delay. The airport has free Wi-Fi and several cafes where you can spend time comfortably while waiting.