Roberta Aguirre
Reykjavík Airport, also known as Reykjavík Domestic Airport, is Iceland's main domestic airport, located about two kilometres from the capital city's centre. It is the domestic hub for Icelandair flights and has two runways. The airport is owned and operated by the state enterprise Isavia, which also operates the larger Keflavík International Airport, located 50 kilometres outside of Reykjavík. Reykjavík Airport is home to four airlines, offering flights to select towns in Iceland, as well as the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and occasionally, Copenhagen. The airport also accommodates medivac, private aviation, and helicopter and small plane excursions for tourists.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport operator | Isavia |
| Airport location | 50 km (30 mi) southwest of Reykjavík |
| Distance from Reykjavik | 31 miles (50 km) |
| Travel time from Reykjavik | 50 minutes by car |
| Public transport | Bus 55 connects the airport with Reykjavik city centre |
| Bus terminal | BSÍ, located 1.6 km (1.0 mi) from the main airport terminal |
| Airport type | Domestic |
| Alternative names | Reykjavik City Airport, Reykjavik Domestic Airport |
| History | The British Royal Air Force operated from the airport during the war, then named Reykjavík Field, or RAF Reykjavik |
| Purpose | Serves as an alternate airport for flights inbound towards Keflavík |
| Shops | Duty Free, Penninn Eymundsson, Rammagerðin, Blue Lagoon Skincare, Elko, Icemart Souvenirs, Eyesland |
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What You'll Learn
Icelandair's domestic terminal
Reykjavík Airport is the centre for domestic flights in Iceland. The airport is located in Vatnsmýri, near the centre of Reykjavik, and is the domestic hub of Icelandair flights. It is about two kilometres (1.25 miles) from the city centre. The airport has two runways and is owned and operated by the state enterprise Isavia.
The history of the airport dates back to World War II when it was used by the British Royal Air Force and known as Reykjavík Field or RAF Reykjavik. After the war, in 1946, the airport was handed over to the Icelandic government. In 1947, Flugfélag Íslands (Icelandair) inherited the ownership of a small building constructed by the British Army on the west side of the airport, which has been gradually expanded and is still in use as a domestic terminal. Icelandair's domestic terminal is located on the west side of the airport, and the airline operates domestic flights within Iceland and limited Greenland flights.
The Reykjavík Airport is distinct from the larger Keflavík International Airport, which is situated 50 kilometres (30 miles) outside of Reykjavik. While Reykjavík Airport caters only to domestic flights, Keflavík International Airport serves as the main hub for international transportation in Iceland. The larger size of Keflavík International Airport allows it to accommodate larger aircraft, which was a factor in the shift of international flights away from Reykjavík Airport in the 1960s.
Reykjavík Airport is easily accessible by various transportation options. The BSÍ bus terminal, located 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) from the airport, offers frequent bus services to destinations around Reykjavik. Private bus companies also provide connections between Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík Airport, with a recommended connection time of at least three hours for international-to-domestic flight transfers. Additionally, rental cars, taxis, and airport shuttle buses are available for travellers to navigate between the two airports and within Reykjavik.
While Reykjavík Airport primarily serves domestic flights, it also plays a crucial role in ambulance flights in Iceland due to its proximity to the Landspitali University Hospital. This highlights the airport's importance not only for passenger travel but also for providing essential medical services.
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Icelandair's history
Reykjavík Airport, also known as Reykjavíkurflugvöllur, is the main domestic airport serving Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland. The airport is located about two kilometres from the city centre and is owned and operated by the state enterprise Isavia. It is the domestic hub of Icelandair flights and has two runways.
In 1944, three young Icelandic pilots returning from flight training in Canada founded Loftleidir, later known as Icelandic Airlines. Both Flugfélag Íslands and Loftleidir initially concentrated on domestic air services. Loftleiðir commenced flights in 1947 from a small hut on the east side of Reykjavík Airport, also operating domestic routes.
In 1964, Loftleiðir took delivery of its first Canadair CL-44 aircraft, and in 1967, Icelandair received a Boeing 727, Iceland's first jet aircraft. These new aircraft were too large for the shorter runway at Reykjavík Airport, so both airlines began operating from the longer runway at Keflavík Airport, increasing civilian passenger traffic through the terminal. By the 1970s, almost all international traffic had been moved to Keflavík, with Reykjavík Airport serving mainly domestic services and limited short-haul international flights to Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
In 1979, Flugleidir assumed all operating responsibilities and decided to use Icelandair as its international trade name, retaining the Flugleidir name for the domestic market. In 1987, on the 50th anniversary of the company, a breakthrough agreement was signed with Boeing to renew Icelandair's international fleet. Between 1989 and 1993, a new generation of Boeing jets gradually replaced the older fleet. By 2003, a single-type fleet of Boeing 757 had been established, and Flugleidir became a holding company with 11 subsidiaries in the travel and tourism industry in Iceland, with Icelandair as the largest subsidiary.
In 2005, Flugleidir changed its name to FL Group, and the holding company announced its emphasis on investment. Later that year, investments became the focus, and its acquisitions and corporations were divided into groups, with the Icelandair Group being one of them. In 2006, the Icelandair Group was listed as ICEAIR on the Iceland Stock Exchange after being sold by the FL Group. In 2013, a contract with Boeing was signed, confirming an order for new aircraft, with the first delivery scheduled for early 2018.
In 2021, the domestic airline Air Iceland Connect and Icelandair integrated their operations, adding new destinations to Icelandair's network. In 2023, Icelandair signed an agreement with Airbus for the purchase of 13 A321XLR aircraft, with purchase rights for an additional 12 aircraft. This transaction marked a major turning point for the company, as the Airbus A321XLR aircraft will replace the airline's Boeing 757-200 fleet.
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Flight schools
While I could not find comprehensive information on the flight schools inside the Reykjavik Airport, I did find that there are indeed a number of flight schools based at the airport. One such school is the Reykjavik Flight Academy, founded in 2019 to train private pilots in accordance with the regulations set by the European Aviation Safety Administration (EASA). The school offers a wide variety of instructors who presently work in commercial aviation and are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience with students taking their first steps in aviation. The academy's mission is to ensure that students are equipped with the skills and expertise to be regarded as world-class pilots upon graduation, whether they pursue a career in commercial aviation or participate in the private flying community.
In addition to the Reykjavik Flight Academy, there are other flight schools in Iceland, such as the Icelandic Aviation Training School, which offers comprehensive training led by seasoned airline captains. This school provides tailored support for individuals and airlines, offering courses such as Integrated ATPL, MCC, APS MCC, and type rating.
The Reykjavik Airport, officially known as Reykjavíkurflugvöllur, is the main domestic airport serving Reykjavík, Iceland's capital. Located about two kilometres from the city centre, it is owned and operated by the state enterprise Isavia. The airport has two runways and serves as the domestic hub for Icelandair flights. It caters to medivac, private aviation, and general aviation services, as well as limited Greenland flights.
The future of Reykjavik Airport has been a topic of discussion, with options including demolishing and relocating the airport or moving all flight services to Keflavík Airport. As of 2024, no decision has been made to close or relocate the airport.
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The airport's future
Reykjavík Airport is the centre for domestic flights in Iceland, located about two kilometres from the capital city's centre. The airport is owned and operated by the state enterprise Isavia, which also operates the larger Keflavík International Airport.
The future of Reykjavík Airport has been a topic of debate, with the city council's master plan in 2014 calling for its closure or relocation by 2030 or later. The debate has centred on three main options: keeping the airport at its present location, demolishing it and building a new airport elsewhere nearby, or demolishing it and moving all flight services to Keflavík Airport. As of 2024, no decision has been made, and the airport remains operational.
The airport plays a crucial role in domestic and limited Greenland flights, as well as medivac, private aviation, and general aviation. It also serves as an alternate airport for flights bound for Keflavík during adverse weather conditions. With its shorter runways, the airport caters to smaller aircraft and maintains a focus on domestic operations.
Looking ahead, the airport's future may be influenced by several factors. One key consideration is the increasing passenger traffic and the need for expansion. Keflavík International Airport, located 50 kilometres outside of Reykjavík, has undergone renovation and expansion to accommodate growing passenger numbers, which reached 9 million in 2018. As international traffic continues to rise, the demand for efficient and centralised flight operations may become a deciding factor in the future of Reykjavík Airport.
Another aspect to consider is the airport's role in the community and its integration within the city. Reykjavík Airport is situated within the city centre, providing convenient access to domestic flights. However, the limited space and shorter runways may restrict its capacity to handle larger aircraft or accommodate significant expansion. Balancing the benefits of a centrally located airport with the potential constraints on growth will be an important part of the decision-making process.
In conclusion, the future of Reykjavík Airport remains open, with the possibility of continued operation, relocation, or consolidation with Keflavík International Airport on the table. The airport's role in domestic flights, its proximity to the city centre, and the evolving aviation landscape in Iceland will all contribute to shaping its destiny. The decision will have a significant impact on both the aviation industry and the local community, requiring careful consideration and planning to ensure a sustainable outcome.
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Transport options
Reykjavík Airport is located about two kilometres (1+1⁄4 miles) from the city centre. It is the main hub for domestic flights within Iceland, with shorter runways than the larger Keflavík International Airport, which is 50 kilometres (30 miles) out of town.
To/from Reykjavík Airport
Reykjavík Airport is accessible by bus, car, and taxi. The major bus terminal, BSÍ, is located 1.6 km (1.0 mi) from the airport, and offers more frequent bus services to areas around Reykjavík. For those driving, the airport is about a 50-minute journey from the city centre. Taxis are also available.
To/from Keflavík International Airport
Keflavík International Airport is located 50 kilometres (30 miles) southwest of Reykjavík. The airport is linked to the city via a 50-kilometre (30 mi) journey on the Route 41 dual carriageway. There is no separated pedestrian and bike path to the city, but there are other transport options available.
Private companies operate express services to Reykjavík, including to Reykjavík Airport, as well as stops and transfers to hotels. The Terravision bus goes from the airport to the centre of Reykjavík in 45 minutes. The airport shuttle bus is another option to get to Reykjavík easily and cheaply, costing from $61.67 return for adults. Bus 55 is the cheapest option, at around $14.35, but it's also the longest, taking 90 minutes. Taxis are available outside the terminal, but are the most expensive option at around $140.43. Rental cars are available from various companies, and most offer pickup from the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Reykjavik Airport is the centre for domestic flights in Iceland. The airport is located in Vatnsmýri, about two kilometres from Reykjavik's city centre. It is the domestic hub of Icelandair flights and has two runways. The airport also services medivac, private aviation, general aviation, and helicopter operators.
There are four airlines that operate from Reykjavik Airport: Icelandair, Norlandair, Loftleiðir Icelandic, and Flugfélag Íslands.
Keflavik International Airport is located 50 kilometres west of Reykjavik and is the largest airport in Iceland. The airport is owned and managed by the government corporation Isavia and only handles international services. Inside the airport, there are duty-free shops, bookstores, clothing stores, and souvenir shops.
Reykjavik Airport, initially called RAF Reykjavik, was built by British Troops who invaded the country after Denmark was invaded by the Nazis. The airport was handed back to the Icelanders in 1946, and its ownership was transferred to the Icelandic Government. In 2000, the airport underwent a two-year renovation, and there was a successful referendum to move the airport out of the city centre.
