Widerøe
Widerøe is Norway’s principal regional airline, linking small and remote communities with larger Norwegian airports and selected European destinations.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
Widerøe is a Norwegian regional airline headquartered in Bodø and one of the most important air-service providers for communities outside Norway’s largest urban centers. Trading under the corporate name Widerøe’s Flyveselskap AS, the airline operates a dense domestic network that includes many short-runway airports in northern and western Norway. Its role is broader than that of a conventional commercial carrier: a substantial share of its flying is performed under public service obligation contracts awarded and subsidized by the Norwegian government. These services connect small communities to regional hubs and onward domestic and international air transport. The company was founded on 19 February 1934 by aviator Viggo Widerøe together with Einar Isdahl and Arild Widerøe. Its early activities included general aviation, aerial advertising, mapping, aircraft-related workshop work, and seaplane operations. The airline developed particular expertise in operating in difficult terrain and weather conditions. It began scheduled seaplane services in the 1930s, added ambulance flying, and later expanded aerial photography and cartography. Its mapping work included flights over Antarctica in 1937, while its workshop participated in the construction of Hønningstad aircraft and other aviation equipment. After the Second World War, Widerøe resumed civilian operations and gradually established a lasting position in Norwegian regional aviation. It operated seaplane routes under contract to Scandinavian Airlines System and introduced aircraft such as the de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter. From the late 1960s, the company shifted toward scheduled services using short takeoff and landing aircraft, initially the DHC-6 Twin Otter and later the Dash 7 and Dash 8. This transition supported the development of Norway’s network of regional STOLports, where runway length, geography, and winter conditions required specialized aircraft and operating practices. Widerøe’s business changed substantially through acquisitions and ownership transfers. In 1989 it acquired Norsk Air and expanded services from Sandefjord Airport, Torp. The SAS Group later acquired the airline and integrated it into its regional network. During the 2000s Widerøe became a major operator of regional SAS services, and in 2010 it assumed additional routes in western Norway. SAS sold 80 percent of Widerøe to WF Holding, an investment company controlled by Torghatten ASA, in 2013; the remaining 20 percent was transferred in 2016. Widerøe continued to cooperate closely with SAS until 2023. Norwegian Air Shuttle announced an agreement to acquire Widerøe in July 2023. The transaction, reported at NOK 1.125 billion, was completed in January 2024, making Widerøe a subsidiary within the Norwegian Group. The acquisition brought together Norwegian’s larger jet network and Widerøe’s regional network, while the two airlines retained distinct brands and operating roles. Widerøe’s fleet has historically been dominated by turboprops suited to short regional routes. It operated all major Dash 8 variants simultaneously and became particularly associated with the Dash 8-100, Dash 8-200, and Dash 8-300 aircraft used at Norway’s short-runway airports. In 2018 it became the first airline to receive and operate the Embraer E190-E2, introducing jet aircraft into a fleet previously composed of turboprops. The airline continues to focus on regional connectivity, point-to-point flying, interline relationships, and the operation of essential routes that may not be commercially viable without public support.
History
Widerøe began in 1934 as a diversified aviation company founded by Viggo Widerøe, Einar Isdahl, and Arild Widerøe. Its first business was not limited to scheduled passenger transport. The company conducted general aviation, aerial advertising, winter recreational flights, mapping, photography, and workshop activities. In 1935 it entered cartography, and in 1937 it conducted extensive aerial surveys along the Antarctic coast for Lars Christensen. The company’s workshop at Bogstad also participated in aircraft construction with engineer Birger Hønningstad. Scheduled seaplane operations started in 1936, and ambulance flying followed in 1940. The German occupation of Norway brought a halt to civilian aviation. Pilots were conscripted, aircraft were grounded, and company personnel performed military-related manufacturing and maintenance work. After liberation, Widerøe operated under continuing restrictions before receiving permission to resume flights in February 1946. Forenede Industrier acquired a majority stake in 1947, while Viggo Widerøe returned as managing director. A 1948 merger with the Narvik-based operator Polarfly produced the name Widerøe’s Flyveselskap & Polarfly A/S. The postwar company expanded aerial photography and began producing non-airline equipment, including emergency rafts and industrial components. In 1954 it obtained a subcontract from SAS for a seaplane service linking communities in northern Norway. The route was operated with the DHC-3 Otter, an aircraft that became important to Widerøe’s northern operations. The company restored the shorter Widerøe’s Flyveselskap A/S name in 1958. A major strategic change occurred from the late 1960s. In 1968 Widerøe began scheduled services to Norway’s new short takeoff and landing airports in the north and west, using DHC-6 Twin Otters and later Dash 7 aircraft. The aerial photography division was separated in 1970 and sold to form Fjellanger Widerøe. Scheduled passenger flying remained with Widerøe, whose last seaplane was retired in 1971. The company began an international service for SAS in 1980 and expanded through the 1989 acquisition of Norsk Air. During the 1990s Widerøe progressively replaced its earlier fleet with Dash 8 aircraft. In the 2000s it became part of the SAS Group and assumed SAS Commuter operations in northern Norway. In 2010 it took over further SAS regional services in western Norway. SAS sold an 80 percent interest to WF Holding, controlled by Torghatten ASA, in 2013, followed by the remaining 20 percent in 2016. Widerøe remained a close SAS regional partner until 2023. In 2017 the airline ordered Embraer E190-E2 aircraft, and in 2018 received the first aircraft of that type delivered to any airline. This introduced a jet capability alongside the established Dash 8 fleet. Widerøe’s core identity nevertheless remained tied to short-haul regional flying and the operation of small-airport routes. Nearly half of its network has historically consisted of PSO services supported by the Norwegian state. Norwegian Air Shuttle announced its purchase of Widerøe in July 2023, and the transaction closed in January 2024. Widerøe now operates within the Norwegian Group while retaining its own brand and regional operating specialization. Its current role is to connect remote Norwegian communities, regional centers, and larger airports, with additional services to destinations in neighboring Nordic countries and the United Kingdom.
- 2024
Norwegian acquisition completed
[1]Norwegian Air Shuttle completed its acquisition of Widerøe.
- 2018
First E190-E2 delivered
[1]Widerøe received the first Embraer E190-E2 delivered to an airline and started revenue flights with it.
- 2016
SAS exits ownership
[1]The remaining 20 percent was transferred to WF Holding, ending SAS ownership.
- 2013
Majority stake sold by SAS
[1]SAS transferred 80 percent of Widerøe to WF Holding, controlled by Torghatten ASA.
- 2010
Western Norway SAS routes transferred
[1]Widerøe assumed a group of regional services previously operated by SAS in western Norway.
- 1989
Acquisition of Norsk Air
[1]The acquisition expanded Widerøe’s services from Sandefjord Airport, Torp.
- 1968
STOLport network expansion
[1]Widerøe began scheduled operations to regional short-runway airports in northern and western Norway.
- 1948
Merger with Polarfly
[1]The airline merged with Narvik-based Polarfly and adopted a combined corporate name.
- 1937
Antarctic mapping flights
[1]Widerøe conducted aerial mapping flights along approximately 4,000 kilometres of the Antarctic coast.
- 1936
Scheduled seaplane services begin
[1]The company began scheduled seaplane operations, establishing an early foundation for its regional transport role.
Products and positioning
A specialist Nordic regional carrier combining commercially operated routes with government-supported public service obligation flying. Widerøe emphasizes dependable connectivity, short-runway capability, access to remote communities, and integration with larger domestic and international airline networks.
Airline service · 1936
Domestic regional passenger services
Widerøe’s core offering is scheduled passenger transport within Norway. The network links regional and primary airports, with especially strong coverage in northern and western Norway. Services are designed around point-to-point regional connectivity and connections to larger domestic and international networks.
Government-supported air service
Public service obligation routes
Widerøe operates numerous routes awarded by Norway’s Ministry of Transport and Communications. These subsidized services connect smaller communities to regional centers and primary airports, preserving air access where purely commercial demand may be insufficient.
Turboprop aviation · 1990
Dash 8 operations
Dash 8 aircraft form the historic backbone of Widerøe’s regional operation. The smaller variants are suited to Norway’s short runways and demanding regional airports, and the airline has operated multiple Dash 8 variants over its history.
Regional jet service · 2018
Embraer E190-E2 services
Introduced in 2018, the E190-E2 gave Widerøe its first jet capability. The aircraft supports longer regional sectors and complements, rather than replaces, the airline’s turboprop operation.
Brand decisions
2023
Agree to Norwegian Air Shuttle acquisitionM&ABackground
Norwegian sought to combine its larger network with Widerøe’s regional coverage.
Action taken
Norwegian announced an agreement to acquire Widerøe for a reported NOK 1.125 billion.
Aftermath
The transaction closed in January 2024, with Widerøe continuing under its established brand.
Reported transaction value. NOK 1.125 billion (Announced July 2023; completed January 2024)
2017
Order Embraer E190-E2 aircraftProduct launchBackground
Widerøe sought a jet aircraft for selected regional markets while retaining its turboprop specialization.
Action taken
The airline ordered three E190-E2 aircraft and obtained purchase rights for additional E2-family aircraft.
Aftermath
Widerøe became the launch operator of the E190-E2 and introduced its first jet service in 2018.
2010
Assume regional SAS services in western NorwayStrategyBackground
SAS reorganized parts of its regional operation and transferred several western Norwegian routes.
Action taken
Widerøe took over the services, replacing SAS Fokker 50 operations with Widerøe aircraft.
Aftermath
The move expanded Widerøe’s domestic footprint and strengthened its position as SAS’s regional partner.
1968
Enter Norway’s STOLport networkStrategyBackground
Norway’s regional airport system created demand for aircraft and operating expertise suited to short runways and difficult geography.
Action taken
Widerøe introduced scheduled services using DHC-6 Twin Otters and later Dash aircraft.
Aftermath
The decision became the foundation of Widerøe’s long-term regional identity and public-service role.
Recent events
- 2024
Norwegian completes acquisition of Widerøe[1]
M&A
The acquisition of Widerøe by Norwegian Air Shuttle was completed, placing the regional airline under Norwegian ownership.
- 2023
Widerøe agrees to be acquired by Norwegian Air Shuttle[1]
M&A
Norwegian Air Shuttle announced an agreement to acquire Widerøe, combining Norwegian’s larger network with Widerøe’s regional operations.
- 2018
Widerøe becomes first Embraer E190-E2 operator[1]
Product launch · Product generation
Widerøe received the first Embraer E190-E2 delivered to an airline and began revenue service with the aircraft in April 2018.
- 2016
Widerøe awarded Norwegian public service obligation routes[1]
Regulation
The airline received a five-year contract to operate 13 Norwegian PSO routes beginning in April 2017.
- 2010
Widerøe takes over regional SAS services in western Norway[1]
Other
The airline assumed several regional routes previously operated by SAS, strengthening its role in western Norwegian aviation.
- 2005
Dash 8 landing accidents prompt operational scrutiny[1]
Regulation · Other
A Dash 8 was written off after a hard landing at Hammerfest Airport. The incident led to criticism of landing practices in high winds and tighter wind-related operating rules at the airport.
- 1993
Widerøe Flight 744 crashes during approach to Namsos[1]
Other
A Twin Otter crashed into terrain while approaching Namsos Airport, killing the crew and four passengers.
- 1990
Widerøe Flight 839 crashes after departure from Værøy[1]
Other
A Twin Otter crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff in strong and unpredictable winds, killing all five occupants. Værøy Airport was subsequently replaced by a heliport.
- 1988
Widerøe Flight 710 crashes near Brønnøysund[1]
Other
A Dash 7 crashed near Mount Torghatten during approach, killing all 36 people aboard.
- 1982
Widerøe Flight 933 crashes in the Barents Sea[1]
Other
A Twin Otter operating Flight 933 crashed near Gamvik. Official investigations attributed the accident to structural failure associated with severe clear-air turbulence, although alternative collision theories generated lasting controversy.
Sources3 sources
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