Oslo Airport has awarded a handling license, subject to conditions being fulfilled, to support the future growth of Norway’s export and import trade.
The license has been awarded to Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a SATS company, through an initiative headed by airport operator Avinor.
Avinor, operator of 43 airports in Norway, says expanding Oslo Airport’s choice of cargo handling providers will increase capacity and competition for airlines, freight forwarders, and cargo owners at Oslo Airport.
WFS and SATS currently provide cargo handling at over 225 stations in 27 countries, covering trade routes responsible for more than 50% of global air cargo volume.
Avinor head of cargo Eva Beate Lande said: “This is very good news for Oslo Airport and the cargo community.
“We have never previously had three cargo handlers at the airport, and a third operator will increase capacity, and provide an even better offering for airlines, freight forwarders and cargo owners.
“A new operator is an important milestone in our cargo strategy and will help strengthen the resilience of the cargo supply chain and facilitate further growth in both Norwegian and international air freight.
“It highlights Oslo Airport’s current position as an important air freight hub, while laying a solid foundation for the further development of Cargo West.”
The news comes as businesses exporting to Norway are being warned about the potential for serious delays at the border when new customs clearance rules are rolled out next month.
The new rules replace a system which is more than 25 years old and means all filings have to be submitted digitally before goods reach the Norwegian border.
Approximately 25% to 30% of daily road arrivals are registered with Digitoll, with adoption rates for air, sea and rail even lower.
The first phase of Digitoll will require digital compliance with reporting and information obligations, before full mandatory enforcement across all transport modes takes effect from March 1, 2027.
After this date, no import can proceed without a pre-border declaration registered with Digitoll.
Knut Espen Johansen, managing director at Customs Support Group Norway, said: “Digitoll is not just an issue for Norwegian importers.
“Exporters and logistics companies across Europe will also need to adapt established processes and ensure that the necessary data is available on time.
“These new rules will turn the customs declaration regime upside down. Everything which could be done within 10 days of importation now needs to be done before goods reach the border, which is a major change and presents a significant risk of delays.”
IntraLogisteX 2026 takes place on 17-18 March 2027 at the NEC Birmingham. For exhibitor information and visitor registration, visit the official event website at www.intralogistex.co.uk
