Kristiansund Airport, Kvernberget

Kristiansund Airport, Kvernberget (KSU) is not just an air gateway to a picturesque region of Norway, but also an important strategic hub. Located on the island of Nordlandet, it has served as a starting point for fjord tours since 1970 and is a key helicopter base connecting the mainland with oil and gas platforms in the Norwegian Sea. The combination of scheduled passenger flights and offshore helicopter operations gives this airport a unique character and a dynamic atmosphere.

Despite its relatively small size, Kvernberget Airport offers passengers everything necessary for a comfortable journey. Following a renovation completed in 2017, the terminal has become more modern and convenient. Travellers have access to free Wi-Fi, a cosy café, and a kiosk. A major asset of the airport is its dual purpose: it not only serves scheduled flights to major cities such as Oslo and Bergen, but also plays the role of a critical hub for helicopter transport to offshore platforms. Its convenient location on the main road RV70 and the availability of bus services and taxis allow for quick and easy access to the city centre; the bus journey takes approximately 15-25 minutes.

Below you will find contact information for Kristiansund Airport, Kvernberget (KSU), which may be useful when planning your trip.

• Official Website: avinor.no/flyplass/kristiansund
• Information Desk Phone: (+47) 67 03 10 00 (Avinor operator central switchboard)
• Airport Address: Flyplassveien 30, 6517 Kristiansund, Norway
• Email: To contact airport representatives, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: You can follow news and updates on the official social media pages of the operator company, Avinor.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost during the flight, you must contact the baggage tracing service (Lost & Found) of the airline you travelled with. Information regarding items left within the airport terminal can be found in the relevant section on the Avinor website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries, you may use the main information desk phone number.

Kristiansund Airport, Kvernberget (KSU) is located quite close to the city centre, so getting there is quick and hassle-free. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose one of several convenient methods.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. Local buses operated by Fram run regularly to the airport. The ticket price is typically around 60-80 Norwegian kroner. This is a great way to save money, though it is worth checking the schedule on the carrier's official website in advance, as the frequency of trips may vary. The bus journey from the city centre usually takes 20-25 minutes.

Taxi or Pre-booked Transfer is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach the terminal. A car ride from the centre of Kristiansund will take just 10-15 minutes, and the cost will be approximately 300–450 Norwegian kroner, depending on the time of day and the operator. This option is ideal if you are travelling with a lot of luggage, with family, or simply value your time. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially if you have an early flight.

Car Rental is an excellent solution for those planning to explore not only the city but also the picturesque surroundings of Norway, including the famous Atlantic Road. Car rental desks are located directly inside the airport building. If you are arriving at the airport in your own or a rented car, parking is at your disposal. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking.

Kristiansund Airport, Kvernberget (KSU) is a modern and compact regional airport serving the city of Kristiansund and its surrounding areas in Norway. Its key feature is extreme simplicity and convenience for passengers, ensured by the presence of just one passenger terminal.

The terminal is a single two-storey building that handles both domestic and international flights (primarily charters). Thanks to this compact structure, you do not have to worry about transferring between terminals — everything is in one place. The airport layout is intuitive: the ground floor houses the main service areas, and navigation poses no difficulties even for first-time visitors.

The departure and arrival zones are logically separated. Upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in the check-in hall, where airline counters and self-service kiosks are located. Immediately following this is the security checkpoint. After screening, passengers proceed to the general departure lounge with several boarding gates. The arrival zone is located in a separate part of the building. It is very simple: a small hall with a baggage claim belt and an exit to the public area, where car rental desks and taxis can be found.

Completing all formalities at Kvernberget Airport typically takes minimal time. Due to the low passenger volume, queues for check-in and security are usually short or non-existent. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5 hours before a domestic flight and 2 hours before an international flight to go through all procedures without rushing.

The main advice for navigation is simply to follow the signs. All signage is duplicated in English, and the linear layout of the terminal makes moving through it extremely simple. The path from the entrance to the boarding gate is a direct sequence of steps, so getting lost here is practically impossible. This makes Kristiansund Airport one of the most comfortable and stress-free for travellers.

The history of Kvernberget Airport is inextricably linked to the development of the city of Kristiansund and the entire coastal region of Norway. The idea of building an air harbour in the Nordmøre region was discussed as early as the 1950s, but actual work began later. The grand opening of the airport took place on June 30, 1970, which was a real breakthrough for the transport accessibility of the region, which previously relied mainly on maritime connections.

A key stage in the airport's development was the discovery of oil and gas fields in the Norwegian Sea. This turned Kvernberget into a strategically important hub for the offshore industry. In 1982, a helicopter terminal was opened here, serving flights to offshore platforms. Since then, helicopter transport has been one of the airport's main specializations, ensuring uninterrupted operations for thousands of employees in the oil and gas sector.

With the growth of passenger traffic and the emergence of new aviation requirements, the airport has been modernized repeatedly. In 2004, the runway was significantly extended, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft and expand the flight network, including charter flights to popular European resorts. And in 2012, a new, modern passenger terminal was put into operation, which significantly increased comfort for travellers and the airport's capacity.

One of the interesting facts about Kristiansund Airport is its location. It is built on top of Kvernberget mountain, which translates as "Mill Mountain". This engineering solution made it possible to create a flat runway in the difficult Norwegian terrain. Today, Kvernberget Airport successfully combines the functions of an important regional aviation hub for passengers and a key base for helicopter operations, playing an indispensable role in the country's economic life and transport system.

Kristiansund Airport, Kvernberget (KSU) is a modern and compact regional airport that offers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable start or end to your journey through Norway. Despite its small size, the terminal is well-organized, and passengers can easily find all the services they need to ensure their waiting time passes worry-free.

There is a café on the airport premises where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or purchase refreshments before your flight. There is also a small shop offering travel goods, newspapers, and Norwegian souvenirs — a great opportunity to buy last-minute gifts. The selection of dining establishments and shops corresponds to the size of the airport but fully meets the basic needs of travellers.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. The departure waiting areas are equipped with power outlets and USB ports for charging electronic devices. Although there are no dedicated VIP lounges at the airport, the general waiting areas are comfortable enough for resting before a flight. Financial services are represented by ATMs where cash can be withdrawn.

The airport is fully equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, accessible restrooms, and special assistance provided upon prior request to the airline. For travellers with small children, there are mother and child rooms where you can take care of your baby in a quiet environment. The availability of a medical point or pharmacy should be checked at the information desk.

There is no hotel directly within the airport building, however, several hotels are located within walking distance, which is very convenient for transit passengers or those with an early flight. A wider choice of accommodation options, as well as conference rooms for business meetings, can be found in the nearby city of Kristiansund, which is easily accessible by taxi or bus.

Kristiansund Airport, Kvernberget (KSU) is a regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is compact and focused on the basic needs of passengers. Options for a snack or lunch are concentrated mainly in one place, which is convenient for navigation.

The main place to eat is the café-bar located in the departure area, after passing security control (airside). Here, travellers can relax while waiting for their flight. The menu usually includes a standard selection for a quick bite: fresh sandwiches, pastries, salads, yoghurts, and snacks. For those wanting something more substantial, pizza, hot dogs, or a simple hot dish of the day are often offered.

Regarding drinks, the assortment always includes coffee, tea, juices, and sparkling water. Beer and wine are also available. Although the airport does not offer haute cuisine, you can sometimes find sandwiches with local ingredients on the menu, such as salmon or shrimp, allowing for a brief introduction to Norwegian flavours. Prices are consistent with the general level in Norway and the country's airports, meaning they are relatively high. A substantial snack with a drink will cost on average 200-300 Norwegian kroner.

The opening hours of the establishment are directly linked to the flight schedule — it opens before the first departures and closes after the last aircraft leaves. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegans, gluten-free, or Halal diets) should be prepared for very limited choices. It is recommended to bring necessary food items with you, although fruits, nuts, or some packaged snacks suitable for these requirements can be found in the café.

Recommendations:

• For a quick snack: grab a coffee and a fresh pastry (for example, the traditional Norwegian bun "bolle") or a ready-made sandwich.
• For a full lunch: the best option would be a hot pizza or the dish of the day, if available.

Before passing security control (landside), dining options are practically non-existent, so plan your lunch or dinner to take place within the secure departure zone.

To ensure your journey through Kristiansund Airport, Kvernberget (KSU) is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, make use of our tips. This small but modern airport serves the picturesque fjord region on the west coast of Norway.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights and flights to Schengen countries, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5 hours before departure. For international flights, it is better to allow about 2 hours. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website and, if you are travelling light, head straight to security. Procedures at Kristiansund airport usually proceed quickly, but it is better to have a time buffer.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. When flying out of Kristiansund, try to get a window seat. You may be treated to breathtaking views of the coast, islands, and fjords — a wonderful start or end to your Norwegian adventure. Regarding hand luggage, standard international rules apply: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag. Be sure to check your airline's baggage allowance to avoid extra charges at the airport.

Transit Passengers and Customs. Kvernberget is not a major transit hub, so most transfers here are self-connects. If this is your case, you will need to collect your luggage and check in again. Regarding customs control, remember: Norway is part of the Schengen Area, but not the European Union. This means there are restrictions on bringing in certain goods, such as tobacco and other regulated items, even when arriving from EU countries.

Savings and Flight Delays. To save money, book flight tickets and parking in advance. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally higher, so you can bring a small snack with you. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representatives for up-to-date information and clarification of your rights as a passenger. The airport has free Wi-Fi and several cafés where you can wait for your flight. Keep a portable charger and a book with you, or download movies to make the waiting time more comfortable.