Airports In Iceland: A Comprehensive Guide To All Of Them

Iceland has several airports catering to both international and domestic flights. The country's main hub for international transportation is Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located around 50km from the capital, Reykjavík. All domestic flights use the smaller Reykjavík Airport (RKV), which lies within the capital city. Other airports in Iceland include Ísafjörður, Egilsstaðir, Hornafjörður, Vestmannaeyjar, Myvatn, and Akureyri.

Keflavík International Airport

The airport was originally built by the United States military during World War II, as a replacement for a British landing strip at Garður. It was constructed next to the town of Keflavík, which was founded by Scottish entrepreneurs and engineers in the 16th century. The airport served as an important refuelling stop for transatlantic flights during the war. It consisted of two separate two-runway airfields, built 4km apart. Patterson Field, in the southeast, opened in 1942 and was named after a young pilot who died in Iceland. Meeks Field, in the northwest, opened in 1943 and was also named after a young pilot who passed away, George Meeks, who died on the Reykjavík airfield. After the war, Patterson Field closed, but Meeks Field and the adjoining structures were returned to Iceland's control and renamed Naval Air Station Keflavik, after the nearby town. In 1949, a passenger terminal was built by the Lockheed Overseas Aircraft Service.

During the Cold War, Naval Air Station Keflavik played a significant role in monitoring marine and submarine traffic. However, the presence of US military forces in Iceland under the NATO-sponsored Iceland–US Defense Agreement of 1951 was controversial. Protests were held during the 1960s and 1970s, with demonstrators walking from Reykjavík to Keflavík each year, demanding an end to the US military presence and Iceland's withdrawal from NATO. In response, the Icelandic government constructed a new civilian terminal north of the airport in 1987, allowing passengers to access it without passing through the military base. The US military base was eventually closed down and handed over to the Icelandic government in 2006.

Reykjavík Domestic Airport

Reykjavík Airport was initially constructed by the British Army during World War II when Iceland was occupied by the British. The airport was used by the British Royal Air Force during the war, and was then known as RAF Reykjavik. After the end of the occupation in 1946, the British handed the airport over to the Icelandic government, and it has been operated by Isavia since.

Today, Reykjavík Domestic Airport offers flights to various domestic destinations within Iceland, as well as limited flights to Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The airport has two terminals, with the main terminal handling both international and domestic traffic for Air Iceland, and the smaller terminal serving domestic and international business for Eagle Air flights. Reykjavík Airport also offers helicopter tours of Iceland, which depart from the Air Iceland Connect terminal.

Akureyri Airport

Iceland has several airports catering to domestic and international flights. One of these is Akureyri Airport, which is located in North Iceland, approximately 3 km from the town of Akureyri. It is one of four international airports in the country and the only one in the north, serving as a gateway to the region. The airport is open all year round, with regular opening hours from 07:00 to 23:00 daily. It offers several daily flights to Reykjavík, as well as domestic flights to destinations such as Vopnafjörður, Þórshöfn, and Grímsey Island.

The history of Akureyri Airport dates back to the early 1950s when construction began on top of a landfill on the delta of the Eyjafjörður river. The airport opened in December 1954 with a 1000-metre runway. Over the years, the airport has undergone several renovations and expansions to accommodate larger aircraft and increasing passenger numbers. In 1961, a new terminal was constructed, and in 1970 and 1996, the terminal and runway were expanded. In 2000, the airport was renovated to better equip it for international flights.

Several airlines operate at Akureyri Airport, including Icelandair, Norlandair, Circle Air, and Myflug Air. Icelandair offers scheduled flights between Akureyri and Reykjavík, while Norlandair provides flights to Grímsey, Vopnafjörður, and Þórshöfn, as well as charter flights to Greenland. Circle Air offers sightseeing flights in the area, and Myflug Air operates 24-hour ambulance flights and sightseeing flights. Other airlines serving the airport include Easyjet, VoigtTravel, and Edelweiss/Kontiki Travel.

Egilsstaðir Airport

Iceland has several airports catering to domestic and international flights. The main international airport is Keflavík, which is the arrival point for most international travellers to Iceland. To reach domestic airports, travellers may need to transfer between Keflavík and Reykjavík airports.

One such domestic airport is Egilsstaðir Airport, located in East Iceland. The airport operates on the Egilsstaðanes peninsula, on the banks of Lagarfljót lake, midway between Egilsstaðir town and Fellabær town. Austurland (East Iceland) is characterised by small villages, dramatic coastlines, narrow fjords, waterfalls and mountains. The airport is 76 ft (23 m) above sea level and has a 6000 ft (1829 m) long asphalt runway.

The airport's history dates back to 1951 when a gravel runway was first constructed. In 1954, runway lights were installed. Subsequently, in 1968, the original air terminal was built. The airport underwent significant development between 1987 and 1999, with the construction of a new asphalt runway on the other side of the terminal, replacing the older gravel runway. The terminal was also rebuilt and expanded during this period. More recently, in 2007, a new arrivals hall was opened.

In terms of international flights, there have been plans for German holiday carrier Condor to operate flights from Egilsstaðir Airport to Frankfurt. However, these plans were cancelled due to weak demand.

Ísafjörður Airport

Iceland has several airports that cater to both international and domestic flights. The international airport is called Keflavík International Airport, and it is the arrival point for most international travellers to Iceland. It is located 49 kilometres (30.5 miles) from the domestic Reykjavík Airport via Route 41.

The Westfjords region is characterised by its remote and rugged terrain, making Ísafjörður Airport an important gateway for those looking to explore this less-travelled part of Iceland. The airport provides easy access to the region's natural wonders, including its stunning waterfalls and untouched wild landscapes.

Flights to Ísafjörður Airport are available from Reykjavík, the country's capital, and other domestic airports. These flights offer travellers a quick and convenient way to reach the Westfjords region and explore its natural beauty. In addition to its domestic flight connections, Ísafjörður Airport also offers flights to several destinations in Greenland, including Ilulissat, Nuuk, Narsarsuaq, and Kulusuk.

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