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Local Norway

Oslo Airport passengers warned long queues could continue for days

On Monday, travellers passing through Oslo Airport, Gardermoen, faced long waits at security, with delays stretching up to 40 minutes during the afternoon. Although lines cleared by 8 pm, Norwegian airport operator Avinor has warned that similar wait times could return in the coming days due to ongoing staffing challenges. 'We currently do not have a queue at security checkpoints, but we expect that there may be longer waiting times during periods on Tuesday as well,' Helene W. Jensen from Avinor told the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation ( NRK ) on Monday. Staff shortages The delays are primarily linked to staff shortages among security personnel, particularly a lack of employees responsible for heavy luggage screening and physical security checks. The situation has been worsened by high levels of sick leave and the ongoing onboarding of new staff ahead of the summer travel season. 'This is due to both sickness absence among the guards, but we are also training new guards who will help with summer traffic,' Jensen explained. Advice for travellers Avinor is urging passengers to follow the guidelines provided by airlines and arrive well in advance of their flights to avoid unnecessary stress. 'Arrive well in advance and at the time the airline says,' Jensen said. Avarn, the company responsible for airport security, is also addressing the issue. Advertisement CEO Kjell Frode Vik acknowledged the staffing problem and the challenges it presents. 'There is a crew challenge in terms of the number of people at work. It is not so easy to turn around and get 20 extra people, if we see that there is a need,' Vik said. He added that Avarn is working to train more personnel to avoid similar delays during the busy summer season. 'We are now continuously training new people so that summer traffic runs smoothly.' While Monday's queues eventually eased, both Avinor and Avarn cautioned that current staffing levels could mean more delays in the coming days.