Mo i Rana Airport, Røssvoll (MQN/ENRA): The Essential Regional Hub for Helgeland
Mo i Rana Airport, Røssvoll (MQN/ENRA), stands as a crucial regional airport, providing vital connectivity to the Helgeland region in Norway’s Nordland county. While small, this facility is fundamental for both the local economy and tourism, serving as the primary air link to one of Norway’s most spectacular natural areas.
General Airport Information: Connecting Nordland’s Industrial and Natural Wonders
Located in Røssvoll, approximately 10 km (6 miles) northeast of the Mo i Rana city center, the airport operates at the coordinates 66° 22′ 0” N, 14° 18′ 0” E.
- Operator and Volume: The airport is operated by Avinor, Norway’s national airport operator. It efficiently managed approximately 80,000 passengers in 2024, underlining its importance for regional travel within Nordland.
- Strategic Importance: Mo i Rana is a significant center for industry, education, and commerce, particularly known for its large industrial park, which includes major technology and metallurgical facilities. The airport’s strategic location facilitates business travel to and from this hub.
- Tourism Access: MQN is the closest access point for travelers wishing to explore major natural landmarks, including the stunning Svartisen Glacier, the second-largest glacier on the Norwegian mainland; the vast network of limestone caves, such as the renowned Grønligrotta Cave; the scenic Ranfjord; and the diverse wilderness of the Nordland National Park.
Airlines and Direct Destinations: Your Gateway to Regional Norway
The airport primarily specializes in non-stop, short-haul routes crucial for linking Helgeland with major transport hubs across Norway.
| Airline | Destinations (Non-stop) | Weekly Frequency (Approx.) | Flight Duration (Approx.) | Key Role |
| Widerøe | Trondheim (TRD) | ~13 flights (53/month) | 1 hour 5 minutes | Connection to Central Norway and onward international flights. |
| Widerøe | Bodø (BOO) | ~13 flights (52/month) | 30 minutes | Key link to Nordland’s largest city and administrative center. |
| Widerøe | Mosjøen (MJF) | ~6 flights (26/month) | 25 minutes | Regional service providing essential local transport. |
- Regional Connectivity: Widerøe, utilizing its Dash 8 fleet, ensures seamless connectivity. While the current airport’s short runway restricts it to smaller, propeller-driven aircraft, the network effectively integrates Mo i Rana into the national transport system.
- Historical Note: In the past, there was planning for longer routes, such as a direct service to Oslo, which would have had a flight time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The planned increase in flights in 2025 aimed to further boost regional tourism and business traffic.
Terminal Facilities and Passenger Services
Mo i Rana Airport features a single, compact terminal designed for quick and efficient passenger processing, reflecting its status as a reliable regional gateway.
- Connectivity: Passengers can access Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal under the network name “Avinor_Free_WiFi”.
- Retail and Dining: A convenient café is available, offering light snacks, beverages, and coffee.
- Car Rental: Essential services are provided by major international car rental agencies, including Avis and Hertz, allowing travelers immediate onward mobility upon arrival.
- Accessibility: The airport is fully equipped to meet modern standards for disabled access, ensuring a comfortable travel experience for all passengers.
- Lost & Found: For any lost property inquiries, passengers should contact the main airport line directly at +47 67 033 400.
- Payment: All transactions within the terminal are primarily conducted in Norwegian Krone (NOK), though credit and debit cards are widely accepted.
Transportation, Parking, and Local Accommodation
Accessing the airport from the city center and surrounding areas is straightforward via road, offering travelers multiple transport options.
| Mode of Transport | Route/Service | Duration to City Center | Estimated Fare | Contact/Details |
| Bus | Line 350 | ~15 minutes | ~50 NOK | Provides reliable and cost-effective transfer service. |
| Taxi | Rana Taxi | ~10 minutes | ~200 NOK | Rana Taxi: +47 75 13 10 00. Fastest door-to-door option. |
| Road Access | E12 road | N/A | N/A | The airport is conveniently located directly off the main E12 road. |
- Additional Car Rental: Travelers can also find car rental services from Europcar for enhanced flexibility.
- Parking: A major convenience for local travelers, free parking is provided on-site for all airport users.
- Nearby Accommodation: For those requiring an overnight stay close to the city center, highly-rated options include Scandic Meyergården and Comfort Hotel Ole Tobias.
The Future of Flight: Helgeland Arctic Circle Airport (Hauan) Development
The most significant recent development concerning MQN is its planned replacement by a new, modern facility. The current airport is nearing the end of its operational life and cannot support the larger aircraft necessary for future growth.
- Replacement Project: The new facility is officially named the New Mo I Rana/Helgeland Arctic Circle Airport and is being constructed at a new site at Hauan i Rana.
- Expected Operational Date: Following construction delays, the new airport is currently projected to become operational in 2027.
- New Capacity and Vision: The replacement airport will feature a dramatically longer runway, measuring 2,400 meters (7,900 feet). This enhancement will be transformative, enabling the airport to handle modern commercial jets, facilitating direct flights to major international destinations and opening up Helgeland to a new wave of global tourism and business investment.
- Construction Milestones: Construction commenced in September 2022. Significant progress includes the paving of the new runway, which began in July 2024, and the start of the terminal building construction in September 2024.
Contact and Traveler Information
For official inquiries and general traveler information:
- Address: Avinor, 8615 Skonseng, NORWAY
- Phone (Lost & Found/General Inquiries): +47 67 033 400
- Official Website: www.avinor.no/en/airport/moirana
- Travel Advisory: Non-Schengen travelers, including those from countries like Turkey, are required to possess a valid Schengen visa for entry into Norway.