2012 proves a record-breaker for Faroe Islands airport

2012 was the busiest year ever in the history of the Faroe Islands Airport, Vagar, figures released today show. 225.532 passengers passed through the terminal on the Faroe Islands, the highest total in the history of the airport. The figure was some 10, 9 per cent higher than for 2011.

Longer runway and more traffic
After the current runway was extended from 1,250 meters to 1,799 meters in December 2011, there has been a steady stream of different types of aircrafts and operators arriving and departing Vagar Airport. Today, Atlantic Airways is the only airline, which on a regular basis connects the Faroe Islands and Europe. In March 2012, they got their new Airbus 319 which has performed well since arriving in Vagar for the first time.

Figures also show that regularity to and from the Faroe Islands has been much improved after the runway was extended. The Faroese government also invested in new instruments aimed at improving regularity, the last of these was commissioned in August 2012.

In addition, the Government is investing in a new airport terminal, expected to be completed in spring 2014. The current terminal was built in 1978, when annual passenger figures totaled 46,525 – in 2012 the passenger figures at Vagar Airport was 225.532

Vagar Airport is opening up to the world
Vagar Airport is glad that Atlantic Airways has managed to increase their range of destinations and numbers of passengers. Vagar Airport wants to secure the momentum. Commercially, the airport is ready to assist any operator to increase the number of destinations to and from the Faroe Islands.

Reflected by the management team of the airport, the airport is always ready to discuss all possibilities that can result in more traffic to and from the islands. In 2012, the airport has given discounts on campaign targeting slow periods and new routes.

“If we are approached by airlines and/or operators that are interested in developing traffic to and from the Faroe Islands, approaches will be handled professionally, discrete and fast”, said Jákup Sverri Kass, CEO at Vagar Airport.

Outlook for 2013
“Vagar Airport meets 2013 with optimism. Visit Faroe Islands has doubled their marketing-funds, the government has lowered fees on air-ticket, imports and cargo-volumes to and from the Faroe Islands are on the increase and Statoil has indicated that they will continue with their offshore-activities in 2013”, he added.

The construction of the new terminal and service-buildings in progressing accordingly to plan and work is expected to be finalized by spring 2014.
See more on the development and expansion on You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_tY58yfyCs&feature=youtu.be  

note: Picture by Andreas Mouritzen