Oslo Airport, also known as Oslo Airport Gardermoen, provides special assistance for disabled passengers and people with reduced mobility. Special assistance at Oslo Airport can support travellers with physical, sensory, cognitive and hidden disabilities through different parts of the airport journey.
Families travelling with an autistic child can also request help when airport crowds, queues, communication or unfamiliar procedures create a substantial barrier. The service should be matched to the passenger’s individual needs rather than based only on whether they use a wheelchair.
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This guide explains how to book special assistance at Oslo Airport, where support can begin, what happens at security and boarding, and how to prepare for a calmer journey.
For families planning a trip to Norway, I have a guide to visiting Norway with autistic children that can help you start planning.
Who Can Request Special Assistance At Oslo Airport?
Special assistance at Oslo Airport is available to passengers whose disability or reduced mobility means they need support to use the airport or board a flight. This can include travellers with:
- Limited walking ability or fatigue
- A manual or powered wheelchair
- Visual or hearing impairments
- Autism, ADHD or another cognitive disability
- A speech or communication disability
- Dementia or memory difficulties
- A medical condition that affects mobility or stamina
- An assistance dog
- Portable oxygen or other essential medical equipment
You don’t need to be a full-time wheelchair user to request assistance. Explain the practical help the passenger needs, including any difficulty with walking distances, standing in queues, understanding instructions or coping with crowded environments. You can read more about who can get help with special assistance at Oslo Airport on the Avinor website.
How To Book Special Assistance at Oslo Airport
Book assistance through the airline or travel agent, ideally when purchasing the flight. Avinor, which operates Oslo Airport, recommends requesting assistance at least 48 hours before departure. You can also make service requests via the PRM Assist app – but I would recommend always doing it with the airline directly too.
The airline sends the request to the airport assistance provider. Contact the airline again if your mobility, equipment or support needs change after booking.
Give specific information rather than simply asking for “special assistance”. Explain:
- How far the passenger can walk
- Whether they can use stairs
- Whether they can transfer into an aircraft seat
- Whether they need an airport wheelchair
- Whether their own wheelchair is manual or powered
- Whether help is needed with baggage
- Whether they need support through security and passport control
- Whether they have a visual, hearing, cognitive or communication disability
- Whether they are travelling with an assistance dog
- Whether they carry portable oxygen or medical equipment
Keep the booking confirmation or written record of the request. Check that the correct assistance code appears on the airline booking.
Contact the Team For Special Assistance at Oslo Airport
Phone: + 47 64 82 19 00
Email: assistanse.osl@iss.no
I have a guide that explains the type of assistance you can get at the airport – this can help you figure out what services are available so you know what to ask for. I have a guide dedicated to airport assistance for those with hidden disabilities with advice specific to those with invisible illness or disability.
What If Assistance Wasn’t Booked 48 Hours Ahead?
You can still request help when you arrive at Oslo Airport. However, Avinor warns that immediate assistance can’t be guaranteed without advance notice.
Arrive early and contact the airline or assistance service as soon as possible. Passengers with pre-booked assistance may be prioritised when the airport is busy.
When To Arrive At Oslo Airport
Avinor recommends arriving at least two hours before flights within Norway and the Schengen area, and at least two and a half hours before flights outside Schengen. It also recommends allowing an additional hour when check-in is required.
Your airline may set a different check-in or assistance meeting time. Follow the earliest time given by the airline, airport or assistance provider. Extra time can be particularly useful when checking in a powered wheelchair, carrying medical equipment or travelling with an autistic passenger who needs breaks between airport stages.
Where Does Special Assistance at Oslo Airport Begin?
Agree a meeting point for special assistance at Oslo Airport when arranging assistance. Avinor advises passengers to confirm where the assistance team should meet them so that support can begin safely and without unnecessary searching. Depending on the booking and how you reach the airport, assistance may begin at a designated call point, check-in area or another agreed location. Confirm the exact meeting point before travel and save it in writing.
Oslo Airport is large. Use the airport’s terminal map to identify the check-in area, security route, toilets and boarding gates before the journey. You can also use the Flush app to find toilets anywhere in the world.
What Special Assistance at Oslo Airport Can Include
The support provided depends on the passenger’s needs and flight. It may include:
- Meeting the passenger at an agreed point
- Providing an airport wheelchair
- Helping with check-in and baggage procedures
- Guiding the passenger through security
- Assistance through passport control where required
- Help reaching the departure gate
- Boarding support, including an ambulift or other equipment when necessary
- Help transferring to an aircraft seat where agreed
- Meeting an arriving passenger at the aircraft
- Assistance to baggage reclaim and an agreed exit point
Special assistance isn’t personal care. Staff are unlikely to be able to administer medication, help with eating, provide toileting assistance or lift a passenger in ways that aren’t covered by safe procedures. A companion may be necessary when the traveller needs this type of support.
Wheelchairs And Mobility Equipment
Tell the airline about any wheelchair, mobility scooter or other mobility equipment when booking. Provide accurate dimensions, weight and battery information.
For a powered wheelchair, include:
- The make and model
- Length, width and height
- Unoccupied weight
- Battery type
- How to isolate or disconnect the battery
- How to release the brakes
- Safe lifting points
- Whether any parts fold or detach
Attach clear handling instructions to the wheelchair and keep a copy with you. Remove detachable cushions, controls and other fragile parts when the airline permits, and take them into the cabin. Ask whether the passenger can remain in their own wheelchair until the aircraft door. The answer may depend on the aircraft, gate and operational conditions.
I have a guide dedicated to explaining more about travelling with a disability pushchair for families using one when they travel.
Security Screening With A Disability
Everyone must complete security screening. Avinor states that passengers using wheelchairs or with implants are screened manually when needed. Passengers with pacemakers or implanted nerve stimulators shouldn’t use the standard metal detector. Screening may instead involve a hand search or suitable security scanner.
You can request a security officer of the same gender for a manual search. Tell staff about pain, limited movement, medical devices or areas that shouldn’t be touched before screening begins.
Liquid medication and medically necessary items may be exempt from standard liquid limits, but they can require additional screening. Keep prescriptions, medical letters and original packaging available where practical.
Support For Autistic Passengers And Hidden Disabilities
Avinor confirms that passengers with invisible disabilities, including autism and ADHD, can request assistance. Support must be booked through the airline or travel agent no later than 48 hours before departure for the best chance of receiving the requested help. Oslo Airport website recommends that those with an invisible disability should have the DPNA code added to their booking.
Explain what creates the barrier and what staff can do to help. Useful requests may include:
- Clear, direct instructions
- Extra processing time
- Guidance between airport stages
- Help understanding changes
- Reduced waiting where operationally possible
- Keeping the family or support person together
- Warning before physical contact
- A calm explanation of security procedures
Assistance doesn’t guarantee queue-free travel or a quiet route. Build enough time into the journey for pauses and sensory regulation.
Preparing An Autistic Child For Oslo Airport
Oslo Airport can involve bright lighting, announcements, queues, security checks and long walks. Preparing each stage in advance can make the experience more predictable.
Useful preparation may include:
- A visual schedule showing the airport sequence
- Photographs of check-in, security, gates and aircraft boarding
- Noise-reducing headphones or ear defenders
- Familiar snacks, drinks and sensory items
- Comfortable clothing in layers
- A planned toilet visit before security and boarding
- A simple explanation of bag checks and body screening
- A backup plan for delays or a gate change
Travelling With An Assistance Dog
Tell the airline about an assistance dog when booking. Documentation, animal health and entry requirements depend on the route and destination.
Ask the airline where the dog will travel, what documents are required and where relief facilities are located. Allow extra time for document checks.
When travelling with an animal you may have the PETC code added to your booking. Learn more about airline SSR codes and what they mean before you travel.
Portable Oxygen And Medical Equipment
Passengers who need oxygen during the flight must contact the airline at least 48 hours before departure. Airline rules differ. Some permit approved personal oxygen equipment, while others require passengers to use equipment supplied by the airline.
Confirm rules for batteries, portable oxygen concentrators, syringes, EpiPens and liquid medication directly with the airline. Carry essential medication in hand luggage rather than checked baggage. It is helpful to have a doctors letter with you for travelling with medication.
Special Assistance When Arriving At Oslo Airport
For an arriving passenger, assistance can begin at the aircraft and continue through passport control, baggage reclaim and an agreed handover point.
Don’t leave the aircraft until assistance staff arrive unless cabin crew confirm another arrangement. Tell the crew if essential mobility equipment hasn’t been returned or appears damaged.
Check your wheelchair for damage or missing pieces before leaving the airport. Photograph any damage, report it immediately to the airline’s baggage service and keep all written documentation. Keep any luggage tags that were on your wheelchair or any bag it was inside of.
Accessible Transport From Oslo Airport
Oslo Airport is connected to Oslo and other destinations by airport express trains, regional trains, buses, taxis and private transfers. Airport assistance and onward transport assistance are separate arrangements.
Confirm whether assistance can continue to the railway station, bus stop, taxi rank or an agreed meeting point. Travellers who need to remain seated in their wheelchair should pre-book a suitable adapted vehicle rather than relying on a standard taxi.
Winter weather can affect pavements, ramps and transport services. Allow additional time and bring suitable protection for mobility equipment.
Practical Checklist Before Travel
| Special Assistance Checklist | ✓ |
|---|---|
| Book assistance through the airline or travel agent at least 48 hours ahead. | ☐ |
| Describe the passenger’s needs clearly. | ☐ |
| Confirm the meeting point and arrival time. | ☐ |
| Check that assistance appears on the booking. | ☐ |
| Provide wheelchair dimensions, weight and battery details. | ☐ |
| Carry handling instructions for powered mobility equipment. | ☐ |
| Keep medication and essential sensory items in hand luggage. | ☐ |
| Download or save the terminal map. | ☐ |
| Prepare for security screening and possible waiting. | ☐ |
| Arrange accessible onward transport separately. | ☐ |
FAQ About Special Assistance at Oslo Airport
How do I book special assistance at Oslo Airport?
Book assistance through your airline or travel agent, preferably when booking the flight and at least 48 hours before departure. You can also use PRM Assist.
Can autistic passengers request special assistance at Oslo Airport?
Yes. Avinor confirms that passengers with invisible disabilities, including autism and ADHD, can request assistance. Explain the practical support the passenger needs.
Is special assistance at Oslo Airport free?
Airport assistance for eligible disabled passengers and people with reduced mobility is provided without a separate assistance charge.
What happens if I forget to book assistance?
You can request help on arrival, but Avinor can’t guarantee immediate assistance. Arrive early and contact the airline or assistance service as soon as possible.
Can I stay in my own wheelchair until boarding?
This may be possible, but it depends on the aircraft, gate and operational conditions. Ask the airline and assistance provider to confirm the arrangement.
How early should I arrive for special assistance at Oslo Airport?
Follow the earliest time given by the airline or assistance provider. Avinor recommends at least two hours for domestic and Schengen flights and two and a half hours for non-Schengen flights, with extra time for check-in.
Special assistance at Oslo Airport can make the journey more manageable when it is booked early and matched to the passenger’s actual needs. Confirm the meeting point, describe mobility and communication requirements clearly, and keep extra time for security, equipment handling and unexpected changes.
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