A big year for KEF coming to a close

Constructions at KEF 2024

Construction progressed well at Keflavík Airport in 2024, with great cooperation between the many different parties being the key success. The construction of the second floor of the East Wing has been one of the years main projects and by the end of the year its opening is just around the corner.

The East Wing is a key element in the future development of the airport. When completed, it will be larger than the original terminal building, which was inaugurated in 1987, and will house, among other things, a new baggage sorting system that opened in 2023 and a larger catering and waiting area, as well as new gangways.

Last year, the first floor of the wing was put into use, among other things, with a new baggage hall that greatly improved the experience and accessibility for arriving passengers at the terminal. This year, construction also began on the expansion of the South Building, which will create more space for passengers, making the wait for their flight more enjoyable.

Airport apron test

A desktop trial for a new airport terminal in the east wing was held in April. The new airport terminal will include four new aprons and a snow melting system.

This type of exercise is an important part of preparing Isavia and other company employees for the airport terminal to be put into use. Since the project is not yet complete and comprehensive testing with aircraft is difficult to carry out, a desktop trial is a good tool to identify previously unknown issues that need to be fixed and go through the processes with end users.

A number of stakeholders, both internal and external, are involved in a project like this, and it is important that all of these parties come together to go through the activities that will take place at the airport terminal. Representatives from security management, the control tower, the control center, the construction department, airport services, passenger transportation, designers, Airport Associates and Icelandair participated.

Tests like these are part of the ORAT process, an effective process to support the successful implementation of new airport facilities and infrastructure. By organizing tests prior to the opening of new infrastructure, we ensure that the facility itself is ready and that people, processes, systems and the facility work together.

Construction starts on the south building expansion

Construction on the expansion of the Terminal's south building began earlier this year and is progressing smoothly. This expansion will create additional space for passengers, making their wait more comfortable and enjoyable.

The south building, located south of the original terminal (now often referred to as the north building), first opened in 2001. It was expanded just over a decade later to accommodate the growing number of travelers.

The latest phase of expansion, which began in January 2024, will add 1,900 square meters and is expected to be completed by mid-2025. This new development will feature significantly enhanced passenger facilities, including a larger waiting area, new departure gates, and an expanded dining and shopping area.

Construction at the East Wing progressed well

Building a large terminal wing, such as the East Wing, involves many factors to consider. Construction on the East Wing of Keflavík Airport has progressed well this year, and once completed, it will provide four additional gangways and two new bus gates. The stands are connected to two towers, currently referred to by their working names, Mars 1 and Mars 2. However, not everyone realizes the extensive groundwork required to enable aircraft access to the new facilities.

This summer, significant groundwork and concrete construction took place for the apron by the two towers, covering an area of approximately 20,000 square meters—about the size of three football fields. Progress was slowed due to unfavorable weather, a challenge shared by many across Iceland this summer. In total, the concrete work for the East Wing and the aircraft stands required around 20,000 cubic meters of concrete, and 2,300 tons of steel were used throughout the project.

The gangways arrived via detour

This fall, KEF staff and other experts undertook a major project with the arrival of new gangways for the East Wing. Once the second floor of the East Wing becomes fully operational, the airport will add four new gangways for aircraft, connected to two the two Mars towers.

The gangways, manufactured by Chinese company CIMC Tianda, had quite the journey before reaching Iceland.

From Shenzhen, China, to Keflavík Airport

The gangways began their voyage in Shenzhen, China, and traveled a long and indirect route. The ship carrying them had to navigate around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, avoiding the Suez Canal due to increased risks posed by conflicts in the Red Sea. From Rotterdam, Eimskip transported the gangways to Sundahöfn.

Due to their weight, length, and height, the gangways couldn’t pass through Reykjavík. Instead, they were driven to Þorlákshöfn and transported along Suðurstrandarvegur. Further traffic restrictions in Grindavík required a detour via Krýsuvíkvegur to Reykjanesbraut.

ET Transport, a company specializing in large-scale logistics, managed the transport over four evening trips, with police escorting the vehicles throughout the journey. With the installation of the new gangways and the addition of two bus gates in the East Wing, the airport’s capacity will increase, improving the overall experience for travelers.

The MARS System

The gangways and towers together form part of the MARS system (Multiple Aircraft Ramp System). These two towers, nicknamed MARS 1 and MARS 2, allow for greater flexibility compared to older systems. They are capable of serving either one larger aircraft or two smaller ones simultaneously, optimizing airport operations and enhancing efficiency.

Social value projects

KEF Showcased Exciting Career opportunities for Young People

Keflavík Airport staff took an active role in the annual Job Fair in Suðurnes, presenting exciting career opportunities to young people, including students from the upper levels of elementary school and from Fjölbrautaskóli Suðurnesja. This year, nineteen airport employees participated, offering insights into a wide range of positions available at the airport. The opportunities covered various fields, such as security, aviation, engineering, human resources, passenger transport, and more. Each department brought along the equipment and tools used in their respective roles, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of what a typical workday entails.

KEF is always on the lookout for lalented individuals to join our team and it is a pleasure to introduce young people to the many career opportunities available at the airport. Over 100 different careers were introduced to the students, who came from 8th and 10th grades of elementary schools in Suðurnes, as well as young people from Fjölbrautaskóli Suðurnesja. Events like these provide an invaluable opportunity for young people to connect with industry professionals and learn about the qualifications and studies they may need to pursue future careers.

A big year for restaurants and shops at Keflavík Airport

Aðalstræti opened at KEF Airport

The Aðalstræti food court has opened in the departure hall at Keflavík Airport, adding three new dining options to the airport's offerings. The food court features well-known brands, including the burger joint Yuzu, the Italian restaurant La Trattoria, and the Mexican eatery Zócalo, so visitors are sure to find something to suit their tastes.

The food court was designed by the Icelandic design firm HAF Studio and is named Aðalstræti, a nod to downtown Reykjavík

Húrra Reykjavík opened at KEF

Húrra Reykjavík, one of the country's most popular clothing stores, has opened a new location in the departure hall of Keflavík Airport. The store offers a selection of clothing and sneakers from well-known brands such as Arc'teryx, Salomon, OpéraSPORT, Sporty & Rich, Norse Projects, Carhartt WIP, Stone Island and Birkenstock.

Although the store will offer a diverse selection similar to Húrra's locations in Reykjavík, there will also be exclusive products available only at the airport. A special airport line from Reykjavík Roses will be featured, along with items from the new Icelandic brand Arason, which recently opened a store on Skólavörðustígur. Additionally, shoppers will find products from the Icelandic golf brand Brutta Golf and handmade jewelry from Studio Hekla Nina.

The store's design is handled by HAF Studio, emphasizing a stylish and modern aesthetic, beautiful lighting, and a relaxed, warm atmosphere for guests to enjoy. Specially curated music will further enhance the pleasant ambiance for visitors as they prepare for their holidays.

Loksins returned as both a bar & café

Earlier this year Loksins Bar returned to the airport as both a Café and a bar. Loksins operated at Keflavík Airport for years now, in addition to offering a wide range of drinks, similar to what airport guests have enjoyed in recent years, Loksins Café & Bar offers a well-designed menu.

The menu includes various delicacies such as freshly baked, handmade pastries, breakfast bowls, salads, fresh ciabatta and other delicious hot dishes, so everyone should be able to find something to their liking.

Chef Semjon Karopka, head chef at the restaurants Pasta in Borg 29 Mathöll and Hipstur in Gróðurhúsin in Hveragerði, has taken over the position of head chef at Loksins Café & Bar, but he has many years of experience in the restaurant industry in Iceland.