Monday June 27, 2011 Widerøe started the route Oslo-Sandnessjøen. It was originally meant to be a summer service only, with four weekly departures from June 27 until August 14.[5] The service was more popular than expected and from October 31 the same year Widerøe made the route a full year service with three weekly departures.[6]
Since the float planes could only be operated during daylight and in good weather, a more stable air transport solution was deemed necessary as the volume of traffic steadily grew. The nearest airport was in Bodø, 5-6 hours drive with a ferry. To try out a new concept of regional airports, four towns along the Helgeland coast got airports in 1968 (Sandnessjøen, Namsos, Brønnøysund and Mo i Rana). July 1, 1968 Widerøe, having exclusive rights, started the Helgeland route with stop overs at all four towns between Trondheim and Bodø. The route was originally flown using Twin Otters.[9]
In 2014 the runway was extended from 1086 to 1409 metres ("Takeoff Run Available" from 931 to 1199).
Accidents and incidents
On 15 September 2010, DHC-8-103B LN-WIF of Widerøes Flyveselskap was substantially damaged in a hard landing when the undercarriage collapsed. The aircraft was operating a domestic scheduled passenger flight from Bodø Airport.[10]
On 11 December 1970, Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six LN-BFG of Vikingfly crashed into the mountain of Stortind/Breitind in De syv søstre. The pilot and three passengers died. The aircraft was operating an ambulance flight.[11]
Statistics
Graphs are unavailable due to technical issues. There is more info on Phabricator and on MediaWiki.org.
Annual passenger traffic at SSJ airport.
See Wikidata query.
Ground transportation
The airport is located approximately 20 km (12 mi) south of the town of Sandnessjøen. One bus serves the airport, although there is no scheduled route. The bus service is on demand, with the passenger pick-up possible at any location inside Sandnessjøen. Taxis are also available.[12]