The lack of use caused the airport to start dilapidating. The aviation club commenced renovations in 1974 and from the following year started organizing an annual air show. Thor Solberg Aviation defaulted on its requirement to keep the airport operational for private flights, and a five-year lease was signed with the aviation club. Their air show in 1979 drew 10,000 spectators and the following year they stated building a new hangar. Tønsberg Fallskjermklubb, a parachute club, was established in 1981. Thor Solberg Aviation attempted to remove the aviation clubs as tenants and users of the airport in 1983. The issue was brought before Tønsberg District Court, but the issue was dismissed.
