In 2001, low-cost carrier Ryanair announced that they were considering to open a route from Ørland to London. Ryanair stated that the fees charged at Trondheim Airport, Værnes was too high for them, and the municipality stated that they were willing to stretch themselves far on low landing fees to attract Ryanair. Ryanair was already serving the Oslo area from Sandefjord Airport, Torp, which is a military air station which has been converted to a low-cost airport. If started, they initially planned daily flights to London Stansted Airport. In September 2002, the municipality and Ryanair signed an agreement, which, if activated, would start Ryanair flights to Brekstad. However, because the airport had insufficient infrastructure, a new terminal building would need to be built. Investments were estimated at NOK 17 million and public transport to the airport would be provided using fast ferries. In March 2003, Ryanair announced that they would not start services to Ørland. Mayor Knut Morten Ring (Labor) stated that the municipality would continue to plan a new terminal, and would, if necessary, built a temporary terminal to attract the airlines.