Keflavík International Airport (Icelandic: Keflavíkurflugvöllur) (IATA: KEF, ICAO: BIKF), also known as Reykjavík-Keflavík Airport, is the largest airport in Iceland and the country’s main hub for international transportation. It is situated 1.7 NM (3.1 km; 2.0 mi) west of Keflavík and 50 km (31 mi) south-west of Reykjavík. The airport has two runways and the airport area is about 25 km2 (9.7 sq mi). Most international journeys to or from Iceland pass through this airport.
The main carriers at Keflavík are Icelandair and WOW air, who make the airport their main hub. The airport is almost exclusively an international airport; most domestic flights are flown from Reykjavík Airport, which lies within 3 km (1.9 mi) from Reykjavík’s city centre, although seasonally flights from Akureyri are flown to Keflavík. Keflavík Airport is operated by Isavia, a government enterprise.
KEFLAVIK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT HISTORY
The airport was built by the United States military during World War II. The U.S. Army Air Forces desired an airfield at Keflavík capable of operating heavy bombers, in addition to a fighter strip. Funds were allocated in January 1942 and construction began on the fighter strip (known as Patterson Field) in May. Two runways of the fighter field were in use by July when Operation Bolero commenced. The bomber field, known as Meeks Field, was begun in July by military and civilian contractor crews, but the civilian contractor was soon relieved by the newly formed U.S. Navy construction battalions Seabees. Meek Field was dedicated on 23 March 1943 and by May stopover service for transatlantic military flights was in operation.
KEFLAVIK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LOCATION
Keflavík International Airport (Icelandic: Keflavíkurflugvöllur) (IATA: KEF, ICAO: BIKF), also known as Reykjavík-Keflavík Airport, is the largest airport in Iceland and the country’s main hub for international transportation.
KEFLAVIK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FACTS
ICAO/IATA: KEF/BIKF
Lat: 63.98500061035156
Long: -22.60560035705566
Elevation: 171 ft.
Runway length available: 02/20 10019×197 ft. :: 11/29 10056×197 ft.
