Røst Airport (RET/ENRS) – Your Essential Gateway to Røstlandet and the Lofoten Archipelago
Røst Airport (IATA: RET, ICAO: ENRS) is a critical regional airport serving the picturesque island of Røstlandet, the most remote and captivating island in Norway’s stunning Lofoten Archipelago. Operated by Avinor, the airport plays a vital role in connecting the local community and providing seamless access for tourists drawn to the area’s exceptional fishing, unparalleled birdwatching opportunities, and unspoiled Nordic nature. Situated just 2 kilometers from the Røst town center, the airport’s operational efficiency is key to the island’s year-round accessibility.
1. General Airport Information & Key Metrics
Røst Airport maintains its status as an essential link in Northern Norway’s transport infrastructure.
| Metric | Details |
| IATA / ICAO Codes | RET / ENRS |
| Location | Røstlandet, Lofoten, Norway. Approximately 2 km from the Røst town center. |
| Coordinates | 67° 31′ 40” N, 12° 6′ 11” E |
| Elevation | 3 meters (10 ft) above mean sea level. |
| Operator | Avinor, the state-owned company responsible for operating Norway’s civil airports. |
| Annual Passengers | The airport is an essential small hub, handling approximately 10,000 – 20,000 passengers annually, primarily catering to regional and local travel needs. |
| Terminal Capacity | The single terminal is designed to efficiently process up to 40 passengers per hour. |
| Largest Aircraft Capacity | Primarily accommodates smaller regional turboprop aircraft, such as the Dash 8-100 series. |
2. Airlines and Current Destinations
Air traffic at Røst Airport is focused on providing crucial regional connections, vital for the island’s transport and commerce.
- Main Airline: Widerøe (WF) is the sole scheduled carrier. It operates Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes under contract with the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
- Key Destinations (Updated Routes):
- Bodø (BOO): The primary mainland hub connecting Røst to the broader Norwegian and international flight network.
- Leknes (LKN): An important connection within the Lofoten chain, providing inter-island travel flexibility.
- Flight Frequency: Flights typically operate once per day to/from its mainland connections, though this can vary depending on the season and specific route demands.
- Niche Tourism Focus: Capitalizing on Røst’s international significance for seabirds, the airport is well-positioned to offer specialized charter flights for organized birdwatching tours, particularly utilizing the unique access to the nearby Skomvær Lighthouse area.
3. Terminal Facilities and Essential Services
Despite its compact size, the single terminal provides core services designed for traveler comfort and efficiency.
- Terminal Structure: One simple and efficient terminal building.
- Wi-Fi Access: Complimentary high-speed internet is available under the official Avinor network: “Avinor_Free_WiFi”.
- Amenities: Basic facilities include a small café for light refreshments, and essential provisions for disabled access are available throughout the terminal.
- Payment: All on-site services accept payments in Norwegian Krone (NOK). Major credit cards are also widely accepted.
- Car Rental: On-site services are available from reputable agencies, including Avis and Hertz, usually requiring advance booking.
- Lost Property: Inquiries regarding lost or misplaced items should be directed to the airport’s main telephone line for assistance.
4. Ground Transportation and Parking Options
Connecting from RET Airport to the town center is fast and simple due to its close proximity.
- Taxi Service: This is the quickest and most reliable option. The ride to Røst town center takes approximately 5 minutes, with an estimated cost of around 100 NOK.
- Contact: Røst Taxi (+47 76 05 10 00).
- Car Rental: Pre-booked vehicles from Avis or Hertz can be collected directly at the airport. The terminal is easily accessible via local roads.
- Walking: For those traveling light or wishing to enjoy the fresh Nordic air, the town center is a short, pleasant 20-minute walk from the terminal.
- Parking: A small, on-site, and free car park is available, typically with capacity for about 20 vehicles.
5. Important Travel Advisory and Contact Information
Prospective travelers to Røstlandet should be aware of regional travel specifics.
- Winter Operations: Due to Røstlandet’s remote, oceanic location, flight schedules during the winter months are often highly dependent on prevailing weather conditions. Travelers are strongly advised to check flight status with Widerøe before traveling.
- Visa Requirements: Norway is a member of the Schengen Area. Travelers from outside the Schengen zone must ensure they possess a valid Schengen visa for entry.
- Nearby Accommodation: Røst offers charming, authentic lodging options. Highly recommended stays include the Røst Bryggehotell and the unique experience of staying at the Skomvær Fyr (Skomvær Lighthouse).
| Contact Detail | Information |
| Address | Avinor, 8064 Røst, NORWAY |
| Telephone (General & Lost Property) | +47 67 033 840 |
| Official Website | www.avinor.no/en/airport/rost |