The approach flight was uneventful. The aircraft flew individually across the Norwegian Sea at an altitude of , and began climbing to after they crossed the Norwegian coast. One of the No. 9 Squadron aircraft experienced engine problems during the climb, and returned to the UK. The bombers met over Torneträsk lake, formed up into their attack formations and proceeded to Tromsø. During this flight the Lancasters climbed to their bombing altitudes of between . The attack force was fired on by Swedish anti-aircraft guns when it passed near Abisko, but no hits were recorded.