The airport was estimated to cost , but the lowest tender was between . The airport ended having severe cost overruns—NOK 12 million combined with Førde Airport. Ryum was scheduled to be opened on 1 October 1986, but there was too bad weather that day that the ceremonies could take place, as aircraft could not land. Rørvik was initially served by Norving, which flew two services with the Dornier 228: Bodø–Rørvik–Namsos–Trondheim and Rørvik–Brønnøysund Monday through Friday. During the first winter several shortcomings were found in the terminal building and temperatures down to were measured indoors.