Akureyri Airport Seeks Expanded International Connectivity
Akureyri Airport (AEY) in North Iceland is making concerted efforts to attract a greater number of international airlines, aiming to fully leverage its existing capacity for international flights. This strategic push is designed to enhance connectivity to the region and further develop North Iceland's burgeoning tourism sector. Sigrún Björk Jakobsdóttir, Managing Director of Isavia Regional Airports ehf., has expressed a strong interest in increasing the number of international routes to Akureyri.
Capacity and Infrastructure Enhancements
Despite its potential, Akureyri Airport is currently not fully utilizing its capacity for international operations. The airport can accommodate up to eight international flights per day on days with three domestic flights, and nine flights on other days. To support this expansion, significant infrastructure improvements have been undertaken. A 35,000m² ramp area extension was opened in October 2023. Furthermore, a new 33,000 m² terminal and airfield were inaugurated in December 2024, which will enable the airport to handle an additional 500,000 passengers and accommodate up to 14 aircraft, a substantial increase from its previous capacity of five.
Currently, international flights to Akureyri are primarily operated by easyJet and Transavia on Saturdays and Tuesdays. Seasonal summer flights are also provided by Edelweiss Air, connecting Akureyri to destinations such as London Gatwick, Manchester, Amsterdam, and Zurich. Norlandair also maintains scheduled international flights to Greenland.
Strategic Initiatives to Attract Carriers
To entice more international carriers, Akureyri Airport, in collaboration with Isavia and local tourism stakeholders, is implementing a multi-faceted approach. These initiatives include:
- Collaboration with Icelandic and foreign tourism authorities to promote the region.
- Establishing partnerships with international tour operators to ensure access to local tours and excursions for travelers.
- Offering financial incentives to airlines, such as subsidies for establishing new routes, promotional support, and assistance with ground services.
- Active participation in industry events like Routes Europe 2025 to outline strategic targets and enhance its route portfolio.
Boosting Regional Tourism and Sustainability
The drive to increase international flights is part of a broader vision to position North Iceland as a global tourism and business hub. Akureyri is seen as a 'northern gateway,' offering a streamlined alternative to Keflavík International Airport and helping to distribute tourism activity across different regions of Iceland. This strategy aims to reduce pressure on the capital region and allow visitors to directly access North Iceland's unique landscapes, including geothermal hotspots and opportunities for outdoor adventures.
The airport's development plans also emphasize sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly initiatives such as the use of renewable energy sources and efficient waste management systems, aligning with Iceland's commitment to environmental conservation.
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