A new master’s thesis by Anneli Gausdal at UiT The Arctic University of Norway details how the Progress Party (Frp) played a central role in the “New City – New Airport” project in Bodø. Despite the party’s current political platform of aggressively targeting public waste, the research reveals that Sylvi Listhaug and former Frp deputy leader Ketil Solvik-Olsen were instrumental in advancing the multi-billion kroner development as early as 2015.
Did You Know? The planned airport relocation involves moving the runway less than 1,000 meters to create space for housing. According to estimates from 2020, the project carries a negative net present value of up to 6.7 billion kroner, with costs amounting to approximately 5 million kroner per meter of runway moved.
The role of Frp in the Bodø project
While Frp has made opposition to projects like battery factories and offshore wind a cornerstone of its current strategy, the thesis indicates a different history regarding the Bodø airport. According to the research, Sylvi Listhaug traveled north in 2015 to support the project, which has been described as a significant public expenditure. At the time, then-Minister of Transport Ketil Solvik-Olsen was also actively involved in the initiative.
Avinor had previously identified an alternative that involved upgrading the existing runway for a fraction of the cost. However, this option was not pursued. Instead, the project was left for the Støre government to finalize in 2021, at which point it had become politically difficult to halt.
Economic and demographic consequences
The project, which carries a preliminary price tag nearing eight billion kroner, was originally justified by projections of significant population growth in Bodø. These forecasts suggested that thousands of new residents would arrive over the coming decades. In reality, the region is currently experiencing the opposite trend.
Bodø is facing a demographic crisis characterized by population decline, similar to other parts of Northern Norway. With the primary justification for the move—the need for space to accommodate a massive influx of new citizens—undermined by current trends, the project is now widely viewed as a major financial deficit.
Future financial implications
As the construction work continues toward its scheduled completion in 2029, the long-term financial burden is likely to fall on the state. Analysts expect that Avinor will eventually be tasked by its owner, the state, to cover the losses generated by the airport development.
This could lead to a variety of cost-recovery measures, such as increased aviation fees for all travelers in Norway or expanded tax-free sales. Should Sylvi Listhaug become Prime Minister within the next three years, she may find herself overseeing the legacy of a project she helped initiate, serving as a permanent reminder of the party’s previous involvement in large-scale public spending.
Expert Insight: The disconnect between Frp’s current anti-waste rhetoric and its historical support for the Bodø airport highlights a recurring challenge in national politics: the tension between local development interests and broader fiscal responsibility. While the party now campaigns on efficiency, the Bodø case serves as a documented example of how political momentum can override samfunnsøkonomisk (socio-economic) calculations, leaving taxpayers to manage the fallout of long-term infrastructure commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Bodø airport project?
Construction is currently underway, with the project expected to be completed in 2029. The total cost is estimated to approach eight billion kroner.
Why is the project considered a financial risk?
According to 2020 analyses from the Ministry of Finance, none of the proposed development options were considered socio-economically profitable, with a projected negative net present value of up to 6.7 billion kroner.
What role did Frp play in the project?
Research from UiT shows that Frp was centrally involved in the decision-making process. Sylvi Listhaug and former deputy leader Ketil Solvik-Olsen were active in moving the project forward in 2015, rejecting cheaper alternatives provided by Avinor.
How do you believe the project will impact future travel costs for the average Norwegian?
