Travelers across Norway faced a cascade of disruptions on February 21, 2026, as three of the country’s busiest airports—Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger—became the epicenter of widespread flight cancellations and delays. The chaos left passengers scrambling for information, alternative routes, and, in many cases, simply a place to wait out the uncertainty. For some, like one weary traveler recently chronicling a journey through Oslo Airport, these disruptions added yet another layer of complexity to an already taxing transit experience.
According to reports from FlightAware and multiple aviation news outlets, a total of 14 flights were canceled and a staggering 152 delays were logged across the three major airports. Oslo Airport (Gardermoen), Norway’s central international hub, bore the brunt of the turmoil, with 10 flights canceled and over 100 delayed. Bergen Airport (Flesland) and Stavanger Airport (Sola) also suffered, with 2 cancellations and 34 delays at Bergen, and 2 cancellations and 18 delays at Stavanger. The numbers themselves tell the story of a day when Norwegian air travel ground nearly to a halt for many.
The operational headaches were concentrated among specific carriers, with SAS Link and Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) shouldering the majority of the burden. At Oslo, SAS Link reported 7 cancellations and 7 delays, while SAS logged 3 cancellations and 23 delays. In Bergen and Stavanger, SAS Link was once again the primary culprit, responsible for all reported cancellations and a significant portion of the delays. Other major airlines, such as Lufthansa, KLM, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Norwegian Air Sweden, Wideroe’s Flyveselskap A/s, and LOT Polish Airlines, were not immune to the domino effect, experiencing delays that rippled through the regional network.
For travelers, these statistics translated into missed connections, upended plans, and long hours spent in airport terminals. One such traveler, who documented their experience at Oslo Airport on February 20, described a four-hour layover that, while not directly impacted by the following day’s disruptions, captured the stress and unpredictability of air travel in Norway. After arriving from Istanbul and being stamped into the European Union, the traveler faced repeated biometric checks—raising questions about the efficiency of the Entry/Exit System (EES). “I thought the point of EES was to capture biometrics once and done, and not constantly redoing it? Never mind,” the traveler quipped, echoing the frustration felt by many.
The same traveler detailed the small victories and irritations of a modern airport layover: tracking a black suitcase with an AirTag to avoid confusion at baggage claim, repacking belongings to shift weight from a rucksack to a suitcase, and navigating the ever-present duty-free gauntlet. When it came time for security screening, the densely packed backpack drew extra scrutiny, requiring a full unpack and repack—an all-too-familiar scene for frequent flyers. “Of course, I couldn’t find a damn thing after I put the bag back together,” the passenger noted with a sigh, capturing the minor indignities that can turn a routine transit into a logistical marathon.
But it wasn’t just the mechanics of travel that made the day memorable. An emergency back in the UK forced the traveler to juggle phone calls and WhatsApp messages, adding an unwelcome wrinkle to the journey. “It added an unwelcome wrinkle to the trip,” they admitted. Yet, with clear communication and contingency plans in place, the author pressed on—eventually boarding Scandinavian Airlines SK815 to London Heathrow, albeit in Group 4, a rare low-priority boarding experience for the seasoned flyer.
While some passengers managed to continue their journeys despite personal and logistical setbacks, many others were left stranded or delayed for hours. The impact of these disruptions extended beyond the airport terminals, with local tourism industries in Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger feeling the pinch. According to news reports, the delays in Oslo alone impeded travelers from reaching their hotels and planned activities, resulting in potential losses for local businesses. Bergen, renowned for its historic wharf and as a gateway to Norway’s fjords, saw over 30 delays slow the influx of tourists, while Stavanger’s coastal attractions remained just out of reach for many visitors stuck at Sola Airport.
“When air travel is hindered, the local tourism sectors in the affected municipalities are invariably influenced,” noted one industry analyst. The domino effect of delayed arrivals meant postponed hotel check-ins, missed dining reservations, and rescheduled tours, all of which have a tangible impact on the bottom line for local businesses. The seamless experience that Norwegian tourism is known for was, at least temporarily, fractured.
For those caught in the middle of the disruption, aviation experts and airlines alike offered a familiar set of recommendations: monitor digital flight information displays, stay in close contact with your airline, and utilize mobile apps for the latest updates. Passengers flying with SAS or SAS Link were especially encouraged to use digital platforms for rebooking information and notifications regarding delay durations. Under standard aviation protocols, those affected by significant delays or cancellations may be entitled to compensation, which could include refreshments, communication facilities, or even overnight accommodation if the delay extends into the next day. Retaining all travel documents, such as boarding passes and receipts, was also advised for those seeking reimbursement.
Despite the frustration, many travelers and staff demonstrated remarkable patience and resilience. As efforts to normalize flight operations continued through the day, the focus remained on restoring regular schedules and minimizing further disruptions. For commuters, tourists, and local businesses alike, the hope was that the storm of cancellations and delays would soon pass, allowing Norwegian air travel to return to its usual high standard of efficiency.
As one traveler summed up after finally boarding their flight back to the UK: “Older, never wiser.” It’s a sentiment that resonated with many on a day when experience, adaptability, and a sense of humor were the best tools for navigating the unpredictable world of modern air travel.