Reykjavík Airport

Reykjavík Airport
Name	Reykjavík Airport
IATA	RKV
ICAO	BIRK
Owner	Isavia
City-served	Reykjavík
Location	Vatnsmýri
Elevation-f	48
Elevation-m	15
Coordinates	64, 07, 48, N...

Reykjavík Airport. Located in the Vatnsmýri wetland area within the capital city of Reykjavík, it is the country's second-busiest airport by passenger traffic, primarily serving domestic and regional international flights. Operated by the national airport and air navigation service provider Isavia, the facility is a crucial hub for connectivity within Iceland and to nearby territories like Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Its proximity to the city center, just two kilometers away, makes it a vital transportation node for both business and leisure travelers.

History

The airport's origins trace back to the 1930s, with the first official landing occurring in 1937 by a Waco YKS-6 aircraft. Its development accelerated during World War II, when it was used by the British Army and later the United States Armed Forces as a military airfield, significantly expanding its infrastructure. Following the war, control was transferred to the Icelandic government, and it became the main international gateway until the opening of Keflavík International Airport in the 1950s, which was built by the United States Navy and assumed long-haul traffic. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it evolved into a central domestic hub, with airlines like Icelandair and Flugfélag Íslands establishing extensive networks from here.

Facilities

The airport features two intersecting runways, the longest being 01/19 at 1,567 meters, capable of handling aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family. Its main passenger terminal, originally constructed in the 1940s, has undergone several expansions and renovations, most notably a major upgrade completed in 2016. The facility houses operations for the Icelandic Coast Guard and is a base for Norlandair and Eagle Air Iceland. Supporting infrastructure includes maintenance hangars operated by Icelandair Technical Services, facilities for Search and rescue units, and the headquarters of Isavia ANS, which provides air traffic control services.

Airlines and destinations

The airport is dominated by domestic air travel, with Icelandair and its subsidiary Air Iceland Connect offering frequent services to destinations like Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, and Ísafjörður. Regional international routes are operated by Atlantic Airways to the Faroe Islands and Norlandair to several locations in Greenland, including Nuuk and Kulusuk. Seasonal charter flights are also common, connecting to various European points. Cargo and special mission flights are conducted by entities such as the Icelandic Coast Guard and Norlandair, utilizing aircraft like the De Havilland Canada Dash 8.

Operations and statistics

In a typical year, the airport handles over 400,000 passengers, making it one of the busiest single-runway airports in Northern Europe. It accommodates approximately 70,000 aircraft movements annually, encompassing scheduled flights, general aviation, and official state operations. The Icelandic Meteorological Office maintains a significant presence on-site, providing essential aviation weather services. Flight training activities are conducted by the Aero Club of Iceland, and the airport is a key base for air ambulance services coordinated by the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue.

Ground transportation

Due to its central location, the airport is well-integrated into Reykjavík's urban transport network. The Strætó public bus system provides regular service on several routes connecting the terminal to the BSÍ Bus Terminal and other major hubs. Taxi services from companies like Hreyfill and Borgarbílastöðin are readily available outside the arrivals area. Numerous car rental agencies, including Hertz, Avis, and Europcar, operate facilities on the airport grounds. The proximity to the city center also allows for easy access via cycling paths and a short drive to major hotels and the Harpa Concert Hall.

Future developments

Long-term plans have periodically included discussions about relocating all airport operations to Keflavík International Airport to free up the valuable land in Vatnsmýri for urban development, though these proposals face significant political and economic hurdles. The Ministry of Transport and Local Government has overseen studies evaluating the feasibility and impact of such a move. In the interim, Isavia continues to invest in terminal modernizations and safety upgrades to maintain operational efficiency. The future of the site remains a topic of active debate within the Reykjavík City Council and the Alþingi, balancing aviation needs with urban planning objectives for the capital region.

Category:Airports in Iceland Category:Reykjavík Category:Transport in Reykjavík