A spacious South Building makes the journey more enjoyableA spacious South Building makes the journey more enjoyable
The South Building is located to the south of the original terminal, now typically referred to as the North Building
The building opened in 2001 and was expanded just over a decade later to accommodate the increasing number of passengers traveling through the airport. Construction for further expansion of the South Building began in 2024 and was completed in early 2026, adding 1,900m2 to the building. The changes include vastly improved passenger facilities, for example, a larger waiting area and new departure gates as well as an expanded dining and shopping area.
What were our goals?
- Better facilities for passengers
Expansion of the South Building included improving passenger facilities at the departure gates at the east end of the building. - Larger waiting area
The waiting area for departing passengers were expanded making the waiting time even more comfortable. - Exciting shops and restaurants
Expansion of the South Building increased the variety of shops and restaurants for passengers - Estimated completion
The expanded South Building formally opened at KEF Airport in 2018. The latest expansion began in 2024 and was completed in early 2026.
Improved services by expanding the annex
By the mid 90s, the terminal’s capacity had reached its limit and it had become clear that further expansion was needed. This increased need for expansion was largely due to Iceland’s full membership of the Schengen Agreement, which required full separation of passengers going to, and coming from, countries inside and outside of the Schengen Area. The new South Building, located to the south of the old terminal, which is now colloquially known as the North Building, was brought into use in 2001.
Just over a decade later, however, it became clear that the South Building needed to expand. This expansion has proven itself to be a necessary part of the KEF Airport development project after the number of passengers increased dramatically from 2010 onward, particularly those flying to and from North America and the UK and Ireland.
The latest expansion, completed in early 2026, is a 1900m2, two-story annex which vastly improved services for passengers.
South building in numbers
- Surface area 1,900m2
The South Building was expanded by a total of 1,900 m2, equivalent to the Hamraborg Library and Cultural Centre in Kópavogur. - Length 30m
The annex is 30m long, the same length as the cathedral in Skálholt. - Width 26m
The South Building expansion measures 26m wide. A basketball court, by comparison, is 28m long. - Height 14m
The full height is 14m, similar to that of a four-storey apartment building.