2025 in review - A year of progress at KEF

Construction and buildings

The year started energetically. Construction has been ongoing at Keflavík Airport for the past few years, and at the start of the year, everything was in full swing for the planned opening of the second floor of the East wing, the largest expansion of the airport since its inception.

The new wing ORAT tested

In February, before the opening of the second floor of the East wing, so-called ORAT test runs were carried out on the apron next to the building and shortly afterwards on the gangways and bus gates. This is a special flow and reaction test of processes. The tests aimed to ensure that all processes and equipment were ready for the opening of the east wing. On the apron, this included testing guidance equipment and connections to gangways and ground anchors, as well as work processes for refuelling, loading and unloading baggage, and the use of stairs and passenger vehicles in the area.

A bridge between the old and the new

A pedestrian bridge was built between the north building of the airport terminal and the new east wing in February. The fourth floor of the east wing will house office space for Isavia employees and other companies at the airport. When the space is put into use, the pedestrian bridge will connect the floor with the existing office space in the north building.

The East wing officially opened

On March 21, the east wing was officially opened, after the first passengers had previously passed through it. It was Daði Már Kristófersson, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, who opened the wing. The new extension expands the airport terminal by 30% and significantly improves space and facilities. Among the additions are four new gangways, two bus gates, a children's playground and a spacious waiting area.

“The East Wing, which we are officially opening today, is not only another step in the development of the airport, but a tangible confirmation of the vision of it becoming an international hub between Europe and North America,” said Daði Már Kristófersson on the occasion.

He said that international connections and transportation are the foundation of economic growth and prosperity in Iceland, as the country has a great interest in convenient and efficient transportation to and from the country.

The next phases of development

Work began this year on the design of the first phase of the connecting building between the north and south buildings of the airport terminal. The building is intended to become the real “heart” of the airport when it is put into use. The connecting building is another major phase in the development of Keflavík Airport. This new building, together with the East Wing, expands the airport terminal by 70% from what it was before. Not only will the connecting building connect the original terminal and the south building, but it will also significantly improve services for connecting passengers at Keflavík Airport.

Construction on the fourth floor

This summer, hard work was done to complete the fourth and top floor of the east wing, which began construction in 2024 and is now scheduled to be completed in early 2026. This is 1,450 square meters of office space, which has been connected to offices in the north building of the airport.

New playground at Keflavík Airport

A new playground opened at Keflavík Airport this fall. The playground is inspired by Tulipop's Wonderland and is designed to make the airport a more fun place for the youngest visitors. It is located near the Aðalstræti restaurant area. The playground is a collaboration between Tulipop, the design team ÞYKJÓ and IRMA design studio. Close by, there is also an interactive play area, the so-called iWall from the Finnish company CSE Entertainment.

Changes to the arrivals hall

This fall, construction began on and in the arrivals hall at Keflavík Airport, the area where arriving passengers pass on their way from the baggage claim area. The goal of the changes is to improve flow and increase comfort for airport guests. Car rental and bus services will be moved and will be combined in a redesigned area, in addition to the expansion of the convenience store in the arrivals area. The estimated completion date is spring 2026.

Construction in the arrivals area

Ongoing construction has been underway in the approach area of ​​Keflavík Airport. Among other things, facilities for pedestrians are being improved, especially the walkways from the terminal building to various service areas. The main walkways are being covered, and a snow-melting system was laid under the main walkways in the area, which will make life easier for passengers, staff and others on snowy days.

New exit from the airport area

In November, a new road was put into use at Keflavík Airport, making it possible to drive a new route from the airport area. This is the first phase of a so-called ring connection, which aims to improve both safety and flow at the airport in line with the growing activity at the airport. Until now, the road in front of the terminal building has ended at the arrivals area, where you drive in and out of the P2 parking lot, but the new road runs from there and northeast to the main road, Reykjanesbraut. This change can reduce traffic closest to the terminal and prevent vehicles from crossing lanes. All service traffic, such as traffic due to the construction and transportation of supplies, will then be carried out via another approach to the terminal. The opening marks the completion of the first phase of construction on the ring road, which has been underway since spring 2025.

Shopping and dining

Various changes took place in the shopping and dining sector during the year. In the spring of 2025, two new stores opened at Keflavík Airport: Point and the Icelandic Deli delicatessen. Icelandic Deli offers a selection of Icelandic artisan cheeses, smoked and dried meats, high-quality chocolate, Icelandic spices and Icelandic wine. Point is a food outlet offering a wide range of travel products, snacks, drinks, fresh baked goods, pizzas and other delicacies. Point vending machines can now also be found throughout the terminal, where airport guests can quickly and safely grab all the essentials from Point stores. The vending machines have been a great success, as many passengers are in a hurry to get through the airport, and it can therefore be a relief for people to be able to grab a bite quickly and safely. There is also a Point store in the airport's arrivals hall, which is useful for both travellers and others passing through the airport. A new operator, Heinemann, then took over the operation of the duty-free shops. Changes have been made to the shops, but further changes are planned, with passenger comfort in mind. Aðalstræti changed during the year. It now houses the Trattoria Travolare and Yuzu, as well as a new drinking spot that offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. In the last months of the year, the Maikai restaurant reopened at the airport in the same location as Bakað. Maikai previously operated in the terminal in 2022–2023 in a so-called pop-up space and has now reopened, with a more diverse menu than before.

The outdoor brand 66°Norður and Rammagerðin, a gift shop, are in place at the airport, and have also opened new shops during the year, in the terminal. They are located at Gate C.