EIB loan for Norway airport expansion

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has provided a €200 million loan to Norwegian airport operator Avinor for the expansion and upgrade of Bergen airport.

The project will help growing traffic demand and improve passenger services at Norway’s second-busiest airport, EIB said.

The construction will see a third terminal and a light rail station added, to improve public transport links between the airport and the city centre.

Jan Vapaavuori, EIB vice-president, said, “The EIB has made supporting strategic transport infrastructure one of its priorities. Bergen airport is the key international gateway in western Norway and part of the extended Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

“We are therefore pleased to support Avinor’s investment, as it will enhance capacity and improve the operational efficiency of Norway’s second busiest airport while also increasing its environmental performance.”

Meanwhile, the EIB has approved nearly €7 billion of loans expected to support investment in key roads, flood protection and university expansions around the world.

More than €1 billion will go to projects outside the European Union.