The future of KEF airport
Keflavik International Airport's Masterplan is a vision of how the airport can develop in the future in line with passenger numbers and the needs of the society.
Keflavik International Airport's Masterplan is a vision of how the airport can develop in the future in line with passenger numbers and the needs of the society.
The Masterplan for Keflavik International Airport outlines the airport's potential for future development and serves as a crucial tool in ensuring responsible decision-making throughout each stage of its development. The plan is implemented in a phased approach, with the scope of each stage determined by factors such as the number of passengers and other relevant considerations.
To ensure that the airport's development aligns with the needs of its community and customers, the Masterplan is created in consultation with a range of stakeholders, including the local community and airport professionals. The plan covers a 25-year period, with long-term passenger forecasts serving as its foundation.
As a testament to its commitment to serving the needs of the community, the airport reviews and updates the Masterplan every five years. This ongoing process enables the airport to remain responsive to evolving needs and ensure that its development remains aligned with the changing demands of the society and its stakeholders.
Masterplan Review 2020-2045
The Keflavik Airport Masterplan underwent its first review in 2022, covering the period from 2020 to 2045. The review placed a strong emphasis on adapting to potential fluctuations in passenger development by phasing the development, while also allowing for infrastructure and regional planning to support the production, storage, and distribution of sustainable energy sources for aircraft. Additionally, a new area for freight will be developed closer to the terminal to improve efficiency in imports and exports. The updated plan also focuses on improving access to the airport through the construction of covered trails, parking garages, and transport facilities.
Throughout the review process, there was active consultation with Kadeco to ensure effective interaction with their new Masterplan for the surrounding Keflavik Airport area. This collaboration allows Isavia and Kadeco to partner with the municipalities of Reykjanesbær and Suðurnesjabær to create new opportunities connected to airport operations.
Preparing for energy transition
The airport's energy infrastructure will be developed with energy transition in mind with a dedicated area for production, storage and distribution of sustainable energy for aircrafts.
More efficient cargo
A new area for freight will be located closer to the terminal that creates increased efficiency and new opportunities and for cargo transport.
Improved forecourt
Emphasis is placed on improving the approach and access to the airport, e.g. with covered walk paths, parking garages and facilities for a variety of modes of transport.
Better land use
To improve efficiency and reduce land use, services are allocated based on operational needs at the airport.
Keflavik International Airport Masterplan 2020-2045 is divided into two phases.
First phase - until 2035
- Development is based on the capacity of the two current runways and up to 12.9 million passengers a year.
- Improvements in the runway system increase efficiency and shorten driving distances.
- The expansion of the terminal aims to make the airport better equipped to perform its role as a connecting station between North America and Europe and to improve the services and experience of passengers.
Second phase - until 2045
- Construction of the third runway.
- The development of the track system to serve a new runway.
- The expansion of the terminal and infrastructure to serve a new runway and up to 15.1 million passengers.
The two phases | 2035 and 2045
Keflavík International Airport Masterplan
Keflavík International Airport Masterplan 2015-2040 was first published in 2015 and an a reviewed Masterplan 2020-45 was published 2022. They can be viewed here: