Bardufoss Airport

Bardufoss Airport (BDU) is not merely an air gateway to Arctic Norway, but a unique facility that combines civil aviation with a base for the Royal Norwegian Air Force. Located in the picturesque municipality of Målselv, it serves as a starting point for travellers dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights, majestic fjords, and the pristine nature of the Troms region. This proximity of civil and military services guarantees a high standard of maintenance for the runway and all infrastructure. This compact airport ensures reliable connections with the rest of the country, accepting both scheduled and charter flights.

One of the key features of the airport is its simplicity and convenience for passengers. It consists of a single compact terminal where it is practically impossible to get lost, and all procedures are completed quickly. Despite its modest size, the airport offers all basic amenities, including a café and car rental services from several well-known companies, which is particularly valuable for tourists planning an independent road trip through the northern regions. Thanks to its convenient location, it is easy to reach nearby settlements by bus or taxi, making it an excellent launching pad for exploring the natural beauties of Norway.

Below is contact information that may be useful when planning a trip through Bardufoss Airport (BDU).

• Official Website: Current information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the official website of the operator, Avinor: avinor.no/flyplass/bardufoss.
• Help Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can contact the Avinor call centre at +47 67 03 05 50.
• Airport Address: Flyplassveien, 9325 Bardufoss, Norway.
• Email: To contact the airport, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the official website, as a direct email for general queries is usually not published.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own specific social media pages. News and updates are published on the official accounts of the operating company, Avinor.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should immediately contact the Lost & Found service of your airline. The airport does not handle such requests directly.
• Passenger Support Service: Support for most issues is provided via the main call centre phone number or at the information desks directly in the terminal.

Bardufoss Airport (BDU) is located very close to the city centre of Bardufoss, just a couple of kilometres away, so getting to or from it is effortless. A car journey from the centre (Heggelia area) to the terminal usually takes no more than 5-10 minutes, making this airport one of the most accessible in the region.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. Generally, connections to the airport are provided by Airport Express (Flybussen) coaches, linking the terminal with key points in the city and nearby settlements, such as Setermoen. The bus schedule is often coordinated with flight arrival and departure times, but it is always worth checking in advance, especially if your flight is scheduled for early morning, late evening, or a weekend. This is a reliable and economical method of travel.

Taxis and Private Transfers offer maximum comfort and speed. This is an ideal choice if you are travelling with bulky luggage, small children, or simply prefer a "door-to-door" service. The taxi rank is usually located right outside the arrivals area. Although this is the most expensive method, for small groups, the cost can be quite comparable to other options. It is recommended to check rates in advance or book a transfer online.

Car Rental is an extremely popular choice for travellers in Norway. By renting a car directly at the airport, you gain complete freedom of movement to explore the picturesque fjords, mountains, and valleys of the Troms region. Several rental company offices are likely present at Bardufoss Airport. During the tourist season, it is better to book a car in advance to guarantee the availability of the desired model at a favourable price.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented car, parking is provided. Options for both short-term and long-term parking are usually available. When planning your trip, it is also worth considering other airports in the region, which might be more convenient depending on your final route. The nearest major alternatives are Tromsø Langnes Airport (TOS) at 72 km and Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes (EVE) at 98 km. Also within a radius of 100-150 km are airports in Andenes (ANX), Sørkjosen (SOJ), and Stokmarknes (SKN).

Bardufoss Airport (BDU) is a small regional airport in northern Norway serving both civil and military flights. For passengers, its structure is extremely simple and clear, making travel through it fast and convenient.

Essentially, the airport consists of one compact terminal that handles all flights—both domestic and the few international charters. Thanks to its modest size, getting lost here is practically impossible. All infrastructure is located in one building, and moving between zones takes just a few minutes.

The departure and arrival zones are located in close proximity to each other. Upon entering the terminal, you will immediately see the check-in counters. After completing check-in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to security screening, which usually goes very quickly due to the low passenger volume. Immediately after the security zone is a small waiting hall with a boarding gate. The arrival zone is equally simple: after disembarking the aircraft, passengers enter the baggage claim hall and almost immediately proceed to the terminal exit.

Check-in and security procedures at Bardufoss Airport take significantly less time than at major airports. In most cases, arriving 1–1.5 hours before a domestic flight is sufficient. For international charters, it is worth allowing a little more time, but long queues are practically non-existent here. Navigation is intuitively understandable, all signs are clear, and the small space allows you to orient yourself easily, even if you are here for the first time.

The history of Bardufoss Airport (BDU) is a fascinating narrative of the transformation from a military airfield into an important civil transport hub in northern Norway. The airport was founded in 1938 as a military base for the Norwegian Army Air Service with the aim of strengthening defence in the Arctic region. Its strategic location determined its key role in the country's history from the very beginning.

With the outbreak of World War II, the airfield found itself at the centre of events. In 1940, it was briefly used by Allied forces, and then seized by German troops, who significantly expanded and modernised it for their operations on the northern front. After the war ended, the airport returned to the control of the Norwegian Armed Forces and became one of the most critical facilities in the country's defence system.

During the Cold War era, Bardufoss Airport acquired the status of a key forward base for NATO. Its proximity to borders allowed for aerial patrolling and rapid response to potential threats. During this period, large-scale renovations were carried out: the runway was lengthened and strengthened to accommodate heavy transport aircraft and modern jet fighters.

Parallel to fulfilling military tasks, the airport began serving civil needs as well. The first commercial flights were launched back in the 1950s, connecting the isolated region with major cities in Norway. Over time, to accommodate the growing number of passengers, a separate civil terminal was built, allowing for the separation of military and commercial flows.

Today, Bardufoss Airport is a prime example of a dual-purpose facility. It continues to remain an important military base housing helicopter squadrons, while simultaneously serving as the civil air gateway to the Inner Troms region. Its unique history reflects not only the military milestones of the 20th century but also the peaceful development of northern Norway, which has become a popular tourist destination.

Bardufoss Airport (BDU) is a compact regional airport that provides passengers with key amenities for a comfortable journey through northern Norway. Despite its size, it is well-equipped to meet the basic needs of travellers.

The terminal features a small café where you can order hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and light snacks. There is also a kiosk selling travel essentials, press, and local souvenirs. The selection of shops here is modest, consistent with the size of the airport.

Throughout the airport, passengers have access to free Wi-Fi provided by Avinor (the operator of Norwegian airports). For the convenience of travellers, the waiting lounge has power outlets for charging mobile phones and other gadgets.

The airport provides services for passengers with special needs. Dedicated staff offer assistance with movement through the terminal, check-in, and boarding. It is important to request this service in advance by contacting your airline. For travellers with small children, a mother and child room equipped with a changing table is available.

There are no specialised business lounges, conference rooms, or bank branches at Bardufoss Airport. However, there is an ATM in the terminal. If you need to stay overnight, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport and in the town itself.

Bardufoss Airport (BDU) is a small regional airport, so dining options here are quite limited. Passengers should not expect a wide variety of restaurants as found in major international hubs. Nevertheless, there is everything necessary to have a snack before departure in a comfortable environment.

The main and, typically, the only catering establishment in the airport is a café located in the departure zone, immediately after passing security control (airside). Since the airport is compact, finding it will be effortless. In the general area before security (landside), vending machines with drinks and snacks may be available.

The café menu offers a standard set for travellers. Usually, the assortment includes sandwiches, fresh pastries, hot dogs, as well as hot and cold drinks, including coffee, tea, and juices. This is an ideal option for a quick snack or a light lunch. For a more substantial meal, choices may be limited, but simple hot dishes, such as soup of the day, are sometimes offered. As for local cuisine, do not count on a wide selection, but occasionally typical Norwegian sweets or snacks can be found on sale.

Passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal diets) should note that specialised dishes are likely unavailable. Choices for them will be extremely limited, so it is safer to bring food with you. Prices in the café correspond to the general price level in Norway, which may seem high compared to other European countries.

The café's opening hours are directly linked to the flight schedule. It opens well in advance of the first departure and closes after the last aircraft has left. Thus, if you have a flight, you can be sure that you will be able to grab a coffee or a snack. Overall, the café at Bardufoss Airport fulfils its main task perfectly—providing passengers with basic amenities before their flight.

To ensure your journey through Bardufoss Airport proceeds as smoothly as possible, use these simple tips. Planning ahead will help avoid stress and make the start or end of your trip around Norway more comfortable.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Although this is a small regional airport, it is recommended to arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 2.5 hours before international ones. This will give you sufficient time in case of unforeseen circumstances. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website and save the boarding pass on your mobile device.

Security Control and Seat Selection. Screening procedures here usually go faster than in major hubs. To speed up the process, prepare liquids in advance (in containers no larger than 100 ml each, in a transparent bag) and remove electronics from your hand luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, note that window seats will offer you breathtaking views of the Norwegian fjords and mountains during take-off and landing.

Hand Luggage and Customs. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in hand luggage. Always check the current requirements of your airline. Since Norway is part of the Schengen Area, customs control is generally absent for flights within it. However, when entering from non-Schengen countries, standard customs rules may apply.

Connecting Passengers. Bardufoss Airport mainly serves domestic flights. If you have a connection to an international flight, it will likely be at a larger airport, such as Oslo. Ensure you have enough time between flights and check with the airline whether your luggage will be checked through automatically.

Saving Money and Flight Delays. To save money, book taxis or transfers in advance. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be high, so you can bring a small snack with you. In case of a flight delay, do not panic: contact your airline representative to find out about your rights regarding the provision of food or accommodation, and monitor information on the departure boards.