Stockholm Arlanda Airport is undergoing a major expansion with building plans scheduled for completion by 2040, according to a report from SVT Stockholm. The state-owned company Swedavia forecasts passenger numbers will increase from 25 million last year to 34 million by 2040, driving the need for expansion.
Airport director Karl Eklund stated that the current annual investment of two billion kronor will increase by "several billion" more. The expansion includes plans for an additional pier, facilities for hydrogen gas and district cooling, a new bus terminal, and a new arrivals hall with customs facilities.
There are already decisions taken at the EU level that could make aviation fuel significantly more expensive. This could lead to more expensive travel and fewer passengers,
However, the expansion faces criticism from KTH researcher Jonas Åkerman, who warns the investment could be wasted money. "There are already decisions taken at the EU level that could make aviation fuel significantly more expensive. This could lead to more expensive travel and fewer passengers," said Åkerman from KTH's Strategic Sustainability Studies unit.
From Arlanda's perspective, the expansion is necessary. "Otherwise the consequence will be that we have to say no to traffic," said Eklund. The airport's management believes the renovation and expansion must be carried out to accommodate projected growth.
Otherwise the consequence will be that we have to say no to traffic,