Hammerfest Airport (HFT/ENHF): Your Premier Gateway to Arctic Norway and the Barents Sea Region
Hammerfest Airport (HFT/ENHF) serves as a vital aerial link for the historic town of Hammerfest, often considered one of the world’s northernmost cities, and the surrounding Finnmark county in Norway. As a crucial short take-off and landing (STOL) airport operated by Avinor, HFT is not only essential for local communities and business travel related to the region’s burgeoning energy sector but also acts as a primary entry point for tourists seeking authentic Arctic experiences.
The airport’s location is strategically important, connecting the rugged beauty of Northern Norway to the national and international air network.
Latest Traffic and Regional Significance:
HFT is consistently one of the busiest regional airports in Norway. In 2023, the airport handled approximately 132,508 passengers, underscoring its role as a key transport hub. A significant portion of this traffic is driven by the offshore oil and gas industry, particularly supporting the massive Hammerfest LNG plant at Melkøya, a cornerstone of the Barents Sea energy operations. The airport’s traffic volume is closely tied to activity in this sector, highlighting its dual function for both general public and industrial travel.
General Airport Information
| Detail | Description |
| IATA/ICAO Codes | HFT / ENHF |
| Location | Prærien, Hammerfest, Norway |
| Distance to City | 3 km (1.9 miles) from Hammerfest city center |
| Coordinates | 70° 40′ 47” N, 023° 40′ 07” E |
| Elevation | 80 m (262 ft) AMSL |
| Runway Details | 880 m (2,890 ft), Asphalt (Direction 05/23). Designed for STOL operations. |
| Operator | Avinor (Norway’s state-owned airport operator) |
Airlines and Key Destinations (Current Routes)
Hammerfest Airport specializes in regional connectivity, primarily serving domestic routes essential for life and business in Finnmark.
- Main Airline: Widerøe remains the exclusive operator, typically utilizing its dependable Dash 8-100/Q200 aircraft fleet, optimized for the airport’s short runway.
- Most Frequent Route: Tromsø (TOS). This connection is vital, often operating up to eight times per day, providing the primary link for onward travel to major Norwegian and international hubs.
- Key Domestic Destinations (Direct Flights): Hammerfest offers crucial direct connections to neighboring communities, including:
- Tromsø (TOS)
- Alta (ALF)
- Hasvik (HAA)
- Honningsvåg (HVG)
- Vadsø (VDS)
- Båtsfjord (BJF)
- Mehamn (MEH)
- International Connectivity: While HFT does not offer direct international flights, passengers can easily transfer through major hubs like Tromsø or Alta to reach European cities such as Frankfurt (FRA), Amsterdam (AMS), and London Gatwick (LGW).
- Future Flight Focus: With the growing appeal of Arctic tourism, particularly for the Northern Lights viewing season, the airport anticipates adding more capacity and flights to support tourist influx.
Future Development and Expansion Plans
The current 880m runway limits the airport to smaller, regional aircraft. Due to increasing demand from the energy sector and the desire for improved national connectivity, a long-term plan for a major infrastructure upgrade is under discussion:
- Potential New Airport at Grøtnes: Studies have evaluated building a new, larger airport facility at Grøtnes. The economically profitable proposal involves a significantly longer runway, approximately 1,999 meters (6,558 ft).
- The Impact of Expansion: A longer runway would allow for the use of larger jet aircraft, enabling direct flights to Oslo (OSL) and potentially international destinations. This expansion is crucial for servicing the projected growth in offshore personnel and establishing Hammerfest as a more accessible hub, with traffic forecasts reaching up to 270,000 passengers by 2040.
Terminal Facilities and Passenger Services
Hammerfest Airport features a single, efficient terminal tailored for regional traffic.
| Service Category | Details and Amenities |
| Operating Hours | The terminal is only open during scheduled flight arrival and departure times. |
| Connectivity | Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal under the network name “Avinor_Free_WiFi”. |
| Accessibility | The facility is fully compliant with modern accessibility standards, providing services for disabled passengers. |
| Amenities | A small café offers refreshments and light snacks. Payment is accepted in Norwegian Krone (NOK). |
| Car Rental | On-site car hire services are available from major international providers, including Hertz and Avis. |
| Lost Property | For inquiries regarding lost items, contact the official airport number (+47 67 035 050). |
Transportation and City Access
Located only 3 km from the city center, accessing Hammerfest from HFT is fast and straightforward via the FV94 road.
- Taxi: A taxi provides the fastest transfer, taking roughly 5 minutes and costing approximately 150 NOK. The local provider is Hammerfest Taxi.
- Car Rental: Pre-booked vehicles from Hertz and Avis can be picked up directly at the terminal.
- Walking: The city center is accessible via a pleasant 30-minute walk.
- Parking: Complimentary short- and long-term parking spaces are available adjacent to the terminal.
Nearby Accommodations
For travelers requiring lodging close to the city’s heart, popular hotel options in Hammerfest include:
- Thon Hotel Hammerfest
- Scandic Hammerfest
Important Travel Tips and Official Contact
Travelers should be aware of the unique operational aspects of this Arctic airport:
- Winter Travel: Flights are subject to potential delays or cancellations due to severe Arctic weather conditions, including snow, ice, and strong winds. Always check the status of your flight with Widerøe or Avinor.
- Nighttime Ban: The airport strictly observes a nighttime operating ban between 00:01 and 05:59.
- Visa Requirements: Non-Schengen travelers must secure a valid Schengen visa to enter Norway.
Official Airport Contact:
- Address: Avinor, 9600 Hammerfest, NORWAY
- Phone: +47 67 035 050
- Website: www.avinor.no/en/airport/hammerfest