In 2009, Air Norway lost 1,300 passengers after the Norwegian Air Force decided to not permit their employees to travel from Brekstad, but instead have to take cheaper flights from Trondheim, located about two hours drive away. The reduction in ridership, along with a strengthening of the Danish krone in relation to the Norwegian, caused Air Norway to have lost NOK 100,000 by August 2009. The mayor of Ørland stated at that he was working to make the route receive state grants as a public service obligation. Air Leap is the sole operator from the airport. The airline operates with an Saab 340, on the route to Oslo Airport, Gardermoen with two to three daily round trip Monday to Friday, and one to two round trip at Sundays. The airport resides at an elevation of above mean sea level. It has one runway designated 15/33 with an asphalt surface measuring . The terminal has a capacity for up to 50 people per flight. Ørland is an international airport with customs and border controls. Six people work at the airport, including three security personnel and three ground handling personnel. The operation costs the municipality NOK 680,000 per year, although Air Norway is exempt from paying any airport taxes. The airport is located a few minutes drive () outside Brekstad. It is 55 minutes by fast ferry from Brekstad to Trondheim, and two hours drive, , including a ferry. By fast ferry, Brekstad is two and a half hours from Kristiansund, and about one hours drive from Orkanger. The airport is a reserve for Trondheim Airport, Værnes, and international carriers such as KLM land at Ørland when the Trondheim Airport in Værnes has to close.