Kristiansund Airport, Kvernberget (KSU/ENKB): The Essential Gateway to Norway’s Atlantic Coast
Kristiansund Airport, Kvernberget (KSU/ENKB), is a strategically vital regional airport nestled in Norway’s stunning Møre og Romsdal county. Far more than just a transit point, KSU serves as the primary air travel hub for the Nordmøre region and a critical base for the nation’s significant offshore oil and gas operations. Located a short drive from the world-famous Atlantic Ocean Road (Atlanterhavsveien), the airport is your ideal starting point for exploring one of Norway’s most spectacular coastal landscapes.
General Airport Information
For travelers, business professionals, and offshore workers, knowing the fundamental details of Kristiansund Airport is essential. KSU is efficiently operated by Avinor, ensuring smooth connections and reliable services year-round.
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Situated at Kvernberget on the island of Nordlandet, approximately 7 km from Kristiansund city center. |
| Coordinates | 63° 6′ 52” N, 7° 50′ 39” E. |
| IATA / ICAO Codes | KSU / ENKB (Crucial for flight tracking and booking). |
| Operator | Avinor (The primary Norwegian state-owned airport operator). |
| Runway Specification | A robust 2,390-meter (7,840 ft) asphalt runway, aligned 07/25, capable of handling regional jets and larger charter aircraft. |
| Passenger Volume (2024 Data) | Served 326,579 passengers, highlighting its importance as a regional and offshore transport link. |
| Key Role | A major heliport, facilitating essential traffic to the oil and gas fields in the Norwegian Sea, alongside its civilian passenger operations. |
Airlines and Destinations from KSU
Kristiansund Airport’s route network is optimized for Norway’s domestic connectivity, with an increasing focus on seasonal and charter flights to popular international tourist spots. This makes KSU a convenient starting point for both regional and European travel.
Primary Scheduled Carriers:
- SAS (Scandinavian Airlines): Offers key connections, typically focusing on major domestic hubs.
- Widerøe: The regional specialist, providing vital links to smaller airports across Norway and optimizing regional connectivity.
Major Domestic Routes (Focusing on 2025 Connectivity):
- Oslo (OSL): The most crucial route, providing access to Norway’s capital and a global network. SAS frequently offers multiple daily flights (up to three daily).
- Bergen (BGO): Connects the Nordmøre region to Norway’s western capital, an essential link for business and tourism.
International Potential & Charter Destinations (SEO Enrichment):
While primarily domestic, KSU occasionally features direct international flights, particularly holiday charters, reinforcing its five-destination airport status. Potential or historic destinations often include:
- Southern Europe: Spain (e.g., Las Palmas, Alicante) for popular winter sun destinations.
- Eastern Europe: Poland (e.g., Gdańsk, Kraków, Warsaw) and Latvia (e.g., Riga), catering to regional labor and tourism markets.
- Denmark: Billund (BLL) or Copenhagen (CPH), offering easy connections to Central Europe.
The airport operator, Avinor, consistently seeks opportunities to expand the route network to boost regional tourism and business travel.
Terminal Facilities & Traveler Services
KSU features a modern, single-terminal building, significantly updated in 2017 to provide a comfortable and efficient travel experience. The facilities are tailored to the needs of both leisure and business travelers.
- Connectivity: Enjoy seamless, high-speed internet access with the free terminal Wi-Fi network: “Avinor_Free_WiFi”.
- Retail and Refreshments: A compact selection of amenities includes a Duty-Free Shop (for qualifying international departures/arrivals) and a café offering light snacks, coffee, and beverages.
- Accessibility: The airport is fully committed to providing assistance for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). Travelers are strongly advised to pre-book special assistance through their airline at least 48 hours prior to departure.
- Baggage Services: Limited luggage storage facilities may be available (check current rates, e.g., typically 10 NOK per hour).
- Payment Options: Payments are widely accepted in Norwegian Krone (NOK), and major credit/debit cards are the preferred method of transaction.
- Airport Hotels: Several quality hotels are located nearby, including Thon Hotel Kristiansund and Quality Hotel Grand, offering convenient pre- or post-flight accommodation options.
- Lost and Found: For lost property inquiries, please contact the airport service desk directly at +47 67 032 400.
Transportation and Parking at KSU
Located just 7 km from the city center via the FV64 road, KSU offers multiple efficient transportation options to suit every budget and schedule.
- Airport Bus Service (Recommended for Budget Travelers):
- Route: Bus 801 connects the airport directly to Kristiansund city center.
- Journey Time & Fare: Approximately 15 minutes, with an average fare of 70 NOK.
- Taxi (Fastest Option):
- A taxi ride takes roughly 10 minutes.
- Estimated Cost: Around 200 NOK.
- Booking: Contact Kristiansund Taxi directly at +47 71 67 10 00.
- Car Rental (Ideal for Exploring the Atlantic Ocean Road):
- Major international car rental desks are conveniently located in the terminal. Providers include Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, and Budget. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
- Parking Solutions:
- KSU offers secured, well-maintained parking areas operated by Avinor.
- P1: Designated for short-term parking (drop-offs and brief stays).
- P2: The primary location for long-term parking, offering the most cost-effective solution for extended trips or offshore rotations.
Contact Information and Regional Attractions
For flight information, operational inquiries, or general airport assistance, use the official contact details below.
- Official Address: Avinor, 6517 Kristiansund, NORWAY.
- Telephone (General Inquiries/Lost & Found): +47 67 032 400.
- Official Website (for Real-Time Flight Information): Avinor Kristiansund.
Discover the Region:
KSU is not just a heliport; it’s a tourist gateway. Use the airport as your launching pad to experience:
- The Atlantic Ocean Road (Atlanterhavsveien): A globally recognized scenic route featuring the iconic Storseisundet Bridge—a must-see engineering marvel that starts nearby.
- Kvernes Stave Church: One of Norway’s historic wooden churches, offering a glimpse into medieval Norwegian architecture and heritage, located just a short ferry ride away.
- Kristiansund: Explore the unique ‘fish-shaped’ islands of the city, known for its klippfisk (dried and salted cod) industry and vibrant cultural life.
Travel Advisory: Norway is a member of the Schengen Area. International travelers are advised to verify all visa and entry requirements well in advance of their journey.