Understanding the transportation infrastructure of any visiting country is necessary. One of the key links in this regard are the domestic and international airports. Acquiring knowledge of the airports of tourist destinations makes booking flight tickets, pickup, and drop-offs easy. If Iceland is your next destination for leisure or business, understanding the various international and domestic airports in Iceland is crucial, which can be helpful in planning your trip. Let’s look at the top airports available in Iceland and make your plans accordingly.
Numbers of Airports in Iceland
First, let’s check out the numbers of airports in Iceland for both domestic and international flights. You will be surprised to know that Iceland has total 13 airports. Out of these 13 airports, 4 are international airports. For a country, the size of Hungary and Portugal, this number of airports in Iceland is good. Also, being one of the sparsely populated countries in Europe, having this many airports is impressive. All these airports are well connected and make the transportation infrastructure of Iceland efficient. So, flying to or from Iceland is not a problem.
Main International Airports in Iceland
If you’re visiting Iceland, Keflavík International Airport (KEF) will probably be the airport where you will be landing. This is the main airport in Iceland and the largest one. It is the main gateway for travelers visiting Iceland. Located in southwest of Reykjanes Peninsula, KEF functions as a primary hub and the main connecting point for domestic as well as international flights. It is just 50 kilometres from the capital city of Reykjavik. If you have listed Iceland’s Blue Lagoon on your itinerary, it will take just 30 minutes from KEF.
KEF was built by the U.S. Military and became operational during World War II. It was further refurbished in 1987 and ever since has played a major role in Iceland’s growth. This airport has all the amenities to ensure smooth travel experience for passengers. You can do duty-free shopping, make use of the luxurious lounge with various dining options. Being connected to all the major cities around the world, KEF is one of the top international airports in Iceland that serves as a key transit point for global travelers. You can easily avail car rental service for airport transfers in Iceland.
Domestic Airports in Iceland
Reykjavík Airport (RKV) is one of the busiest domestic airports in Iceland located in Raykjavik. The airport is the main connecting point for domestic flights in Iceland. Though smaller in size than Keflavík International Airport, it covers all the major tourist destination spread across Iceland. Also, it offers all the amenities and services for passengers to travel in Iceland stress-free. Travelers wanting to explore Reykjavík can make use of this airport as it is very near to the capital city. Catching connecting flights to other tourist attractions from this airport is quite convenient.
Despite focused on domestic transportation, RKV also functions as a seasonal international airport. The airport is well connected to Kulusuk in Greenland. Travellers visiting Iceland from Iceland and the Kingdom of Denmark can also land at this airport. All the major airlines of Iceland such as Icelandair and Norlandair offer their services to passengers. As it facilitates only limited international flights, booking flight tickets can be tricky. A wide range of car rental services are available to and from Reykjavík Airport.
Akureyri Airport (AEY):
Located in the northern Iceland, Akureyri Airport (AEY) is the biggest airport in Iceland with primary focus on domestic transportation. It also serves as a vital transportation hub for limited international flights, especially during tourist season to manage the influx of tourists. Travelers visiting Iceland from Denmark, London, Spain, and Greenland can find connecting flights to this airport. Though smaller in size, AEY offers necessary amenities and facilities that ensure smooth travel experience for visitors.
AEY has a long history that dates to 1920s when it catered to seaplanes from Reykjavík. It was re-constructed in 1950s. Now it caters for several domestic and international flights. Over the years, it underwent multiple renovations to make travelling easy for visitors. Recently, a new terminal building is also added. The best thing about the airport is the stunning view of the surrounding landscapes, which not only offers a glimpse of the adventure awaiting in norther Iceland, but also sets the mood for travelers.
Egilsstaðir Airport:
Located in the eastern Iceland, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights. Being strategically located in the breathtaking landscape of eastern Iceland, this airport offers convenient access to various natural wonders and outdoor adventures. It is well connected to Reykjavík and other major cities across Iceland. Whether you want to explore the East Fjords or remote wilderness of Vatnajökull National Park, this airport serves as a connecting link. In fact, Egilsstaðir Airport is where you will need to embark on your eastern Iceland adventures.
For global travelers enchanted by the rugged beauty, wild and untamed landscapes, as well as rich cultural heritage of the region, this airport offers a convenient access. Travelers can use this airport to experience the captivating landscapes of Lagarfljót, the tranquil shores of Seyðisfjörður, the majestic Hengifoss waterfall, and the colorful cultural scene of Egilsstaðir. The eastern Iceland also beckons outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching all in a natural setting. Travelers wanting to explore remote landscapes and untamed beauty of the eastern region, Egilsstaðir Airport is the entry point.
Exploring Iceland: Beyond the Airports:
Iceland offers a myriad of attractions for travelers. From the stunning landscapes of the impressive Golden Circle route to Thingvellir National Park, the enchanting Gullfoss waterfall, and the surreal spectacle of the Northern Lights lighting up the night sky, there is a wealth of experiences to be had in Iceland. Nature lovers can enjoy the cascading waterfalls, black sand beaches, and gigantic glaciers in the dramatic landscapes of the South Coast. Adventure junkies can enjoy glacier hiking, exploring ice caves, and taking a whale watching tour. Ice also offers a unique attraction for relaxing in the form of a Blue Lagoon, which is geothermal pools. In short, there are plenty of things to do in Iceland, which makes this Nordic region perfect for nature, adventure, and leisure seekers.
Iceland Visa Requirements:
To ensure you face no difficulties when traveling to Iceland, do have prior knowledge of Iceland Visa Requirements. Iceland offers visa-free entry to citizens of Schengen areas for a duration of 90 days, travelers from non-Schengen areas have to apply for the visa before visiting Iceland. Understanding the specified visa rules and required documents will help with a stress-free arrival in Iceland. With the visa in hand before the flight date, you can focus on your Itinerary. It also helps in avoiding any bureaucratic hurdles and hassle-free experience at the immigration center.
9 Domestic Airports in Iceland
Iceland provides nine domestic airports that play a major role in boosting tourism and helping locals stay connected with the rest of Iceland.
Isafjordur Airport
Located near the picturesque town of Isafjordur, this airport is a major link between the remote Westfjords and the rest of Iceland. It facilitates movement of cargo and passengers and offers basic amenities for the passengers thus contributing to regional economy. From here, regular flights to Reykjavík are operated daily.
Hornafjordur Airport: Höfn airport (HFN)
Located close to Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, this domestic airport is small in size and operates on a single runway. It provides basic amenities to travelers and plays a key role in boosting tourism and providing momentum for local business operations.
Vestmannaeyjar Airport
This small domestic airport is located on Heimaey, which is the largest island in the Westman Islands archipelago, off the southern coast of Iceland. It features a single runway and provides regular service to and from Reykjavík. Explore the stunning Westman Islands from this airport is convenient.
Bildudalur Airport
This airport is located close to Bíldudalur town in the Westfjords of Iceland. It offers modest facilities and features a single runway. This airport serves as a vital link between the remote locations of Reykjavík and rest of Iceland. It makes accessing the natural beauty of Westfjords convenient.
Thorshofn Airport
Operating through a single runway and modest terminal facilities, this small domestic airport provides regular flights for local community wanting to travel to and from Reykjavík. It provides major support to local businesses for cargo transportation and connecting with national network.
Grimsey Airport
Located 40 km off the northern coast of Iceland on Grímsey Island, this small domestic airport offers basic amenities and features a single runway. Regular flights by Norlandair airline are provided to and from Akureyri. It facilitates access to the stunning landscapes and helps the island’s inhabitants stay connected to the mainland.
Husavik Airport
Húsavík Airport (HZK) domestic airport is located close to Húsavík town in in northern Iceland. Operated by Icelandair, it provides regular connectivity to and from Reykjavík, thus helping local residents and tourists to explore the picturesque region of Iceland. The major tourism attraction in Húsavík is whale-watching.
Vopnafjordur Airport
Located close to Vopnafjörður, a picturesque village in northern Iceland, this domestic airport is operated by Eagle Air. It serves a major role in facilitating access to the stunning coastal scenery and various outdoor recreational activities for locals and visitors. Daily flights to and from Reykjavík are provided from this airport.
Gjogur Airport
Located in the Westfjords region of Iceland close to Gjögur village, this domestic airport is operated by Eagle air and features a single runway with basic facilities. Though small in size, it ensures access to essential services and transportation for the local community. Regular flights to Reykjavík are provide from this airport.
With efficient network of airports facilitating arrival and departure of several domestic and international flights, the transportation infrastructure of Iceland ensures smooth travel experience for visitors and locals. All the domestic and international airports in Iceland make discovering the natural wonders of the region easy and convenient. Your adventure will start the moment you land at any of these airports. Therefore, plan your trip very well, grab your documents, including the required Iceland Visa, and collect loads of memories from this extraordinary adventure in the country of Fire and Ice.