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We welcomed 454,806 guests at Keflavík Airport (KEF) in February 2026. A total of 899,298 passengers have travelled through Keflavík Airport during the first two months of the year.

In February, 19 airlines operated flights to 58 destinations. The most popular destinations were London, Copenhagen, Manchester, Paris, and Amsterdam.The busiest day at the airport was 22 February, when 20,822 passengers passed through KEF.Departures of foreign visitors from KEF totalled approximately 147,000 in February, <a href="https://www.ferdamalastofa.is/en/news/147-thousand-departures-of-foreign-passengers-in-february-1" target="_blank">according to measurements by the Icelandic Tourist Board</a>. This represents a 0.9% decrease compared to February 2025. Approximately two out of every five departures were travelers from the United Kingdom and United States.Departures of Icelandic residents totaled around 36,000 in February, a decrease of 11.4% compared to the same month last year.

19 airlines and 58 destinations

454 thousand guests in February

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We welcomed 443,492 guests at Keflavík Airport (KEF) in January 2026.

In January 2026, 443,492 passengers travelled through Keflavík Airport (KEF). That’s 5.5% fewer travellers than in January last year. 16 airlines operated flights to 56 destinations this monthTop destinations were still London, Copenhagen, Manchester, New York and Paris.The busiest day was 4 January, with around 20,313 passengers passing through the airport.According to the Icelandic Tourist Board around 119 thousand foreign travelers departed from KEF in January, a 1.8% decrease from January 2025. Nearly one-fifth were US and British travellers. Departures of Icelandic residents were about 43 thousand in January, marking a 7.6% decrease compared to January 2024.Most departures, about 24 thousand, were from travellers from the United States (about 20% of the total). A 27.4% fewer than in the same month last year. Britons were the second largest group, with around 21 thousand departures (17.6% of the total), a 12% increase from last year. Chinese travellers ranked third, with around 9 thousand departures (7.9% of the total), down 7.9% from the previous year.

443 thousand guests in January

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Location & Detail

66° North

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66°North, a proud partner of the National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland, will once again dress the Icelandic delegation for the Winter Olympics—this time for the 2026 Games taking place in Italy this February. 

The Icelandic team will step into the Opening Ceremony wearing specially designed Hornstrandir jackets and pants, showcasing premium Icelandic design on the world stage.To mark 66°North’s 100th anniversary, Keflavík Airport is now hosting a unique display of entrance outfits worn by Icelandic Olympic teams over the years. Travellers can explore ceremonial outfits from Lillehammer 1994, Nagano 1998, Vancouver 2010, as well as the brand‑new Hornstrandir edition that Icelandic athletes will wear at the Opening Ceremony in Cortina on 6 February 2026.The long-standing partnership between 66°North and the Icelandic Olympic movement extends beyond ceremonial wear. For the upcoming Games, the brand will also provide training and leisure apparel for the athletes throughout the event.Visitors interested in Olympic-inspired pieces can find items from the 66°North x National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland collaboration at the <a href='/shopping/66-north'>66°North store</a> inside Keflavík Airport.We wish the Icelandic athletes the very best of luck and look forward to cheering them on in Cortina!Outfits on display at Keflavík Airport come from these Winter Olympic Games:<ul><li>1994 – Lillehammer, Norway</li><li>1998 – Nagano, Japan</li><li>2010 – Vancouver, Canada</li><li>2026 – Cortina, Italy</li></ul>

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Winter Olympics Entrance Outfits from 66°North Now on Display

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Significant renovations are underway in the arrivals area of Keflavík Airport. 

Last week, construction began on new and upgraded service counters for car rental companies in the terminal building, and shortly before that, work had begun in the customs corridor. Construction has also recently been completed on a new convenience store, which opened in the arrivals hall of the terminal before Christmas, and in parallel, work is underway to expand the terminal entrance on the arrivals side. All of this is being done with the aim of improving flow and increasing comfort for airport passengers as well as for those who work at the airport.The area in question is largely one of the oldest unchanged areas of the airport. It has remained unchanged for decades, but the ever-growing activity of the airport now calls for changes to be made. Emphasis is placed on ensuring that the construction has as little impact as possible on guests and airport operations, although some temporary disruption is to a certain extent unavoidable.While construction of improved facilities for car rental companies is ongoing, their service has been moved to temporary facilities just outside the terminal. It is expected that this work will be completed in the spring, when the new service counters will be brought into use. At the same time, the number of car rental companies with facilities inside the terminal will increase from three to four.The planned completion of other construction projects is also in the spring.Further information on the update of the arrivals area can be <a href="https://www.kefplus.is/verkefni/breytingar-a-komusv%C3%A6%C3%B0i" target="_blank">found here</a>.

Improved arrivals area coming this spring

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The year 2025 was KEF's fourth biggest year ever, with the airport community welcoming 8.1 million visitors in total, a 2% decrease from the previous year. 

A Total of 28 airlines flew from Keflavík Airport to 100 destinations, with London being the most popular destination city. The most popular airport, however, was Kastrup in Copenhagen.

28 airlines and 100 destinations

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The bankruptcy of the airline Play affected the number of visitors who passed through KEF last year, as the original passenger forecast for 2025 expected 8.4 million passengers. However, it is interesting that if the forecast for 2025 is compared with the actual figures for the year, but Play is excluded, there is a 5.3% increase in passenger numbers between years. Foreign tourists were almost 2.3 million last year, which is a 0.4% decrease from the previous year and 0.8% lower than expected in the passenger forecast. However, more than 700 thousand Icelandic passengers passed through the airport, which is an 18% increase from the previous year and 18.6% more than the forecast projected.

Play's fall impacted travel 

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Connecting passengers, i.e. passengers who use KEF as a connecting point without staying in Iceland, totalled 2.2 million, or 27% of the total number of passengers. This is a 14% decrease in connecting passengers from the previous year, when connecting passengers were 31% of the total number of airport visitors.

Considerable decrease in connecting passengers 

A total of 28 airlines flew to 100 destinations in 2025. London and Copenhagen were by far the most popular destinations last year, as in previous years. London is unique in that there are flights from KEF to four airports in the city, Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton. Six airlines flew between London and KEF: British Airways, easyJet, Icelandair, Jet2.com, Play and TUI. The airport with the most flights to and from KEF was Kastrup Airport in Copenhagen. A total of three airlines flew between the two airports: Icelandair, Play and SAS. Sixteen new destinations were added during the year, and two new airlines began flights to and from KEF.

The most popular destinations in 2025 

The busiest day of the year at the airport in 2025 was on August 3rd, when KEF welcomed 36,694 guests. However, most flights passed through the airport a few days later, on 7 August, with 220 passenger flights. The beginning of August is clearly the time of year when most people are on the move, because in 2024, August 4th was the busiest day of the year at KEF.

Most flights in August 

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<a href="https://www.ferdamalastofa.is/en/moya/news/225-million-departures-of-foreign-passengers-in-2025" target="_blank">According to the Icelandic Tourist Board</a>, 2.25 million foreign tourists passed through Keflavík Airport last year, which is a 0.4% decrease from the previous year. For the past three years, this number has hardly moved, staying at around 2.2 million each year. This is similar to 2017 but slightly less than the record year of 2018, when departures were over 2.3 million. The vast majority of departures by foreign passengers were in August, or 311 thousand, while in the same month the previous year, they were 281 thousand. Americans were the most numerous foreign visitors, with a total of 654 thousand departures, or 29% of all departures. The number of US visitors increased by 33 thousand from the previous year. Next came departures of British passengers, which were 233 thousand, or 10.3% of the total. Departures of British tourists decreased by 33 thousand between the two years.

Most visitors come from the US and UK 

Departures by Icelanders were 709 thousand in 2025, which is an 18% increase from 2024. Most departures were in April, when about 81 thousand Icelanders travelled abroad. This is the largest year for Icelanders in terms of international travel, as it broke the previous record from 2018, when departures were measured at 668 thousand.

Record year in travel by Icelanders 

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Over 7.5 million passengers will travel through Keflavík Airport (KEF) in 2026, of which 2.24 million will be foreign tourists, according to the airport's passenger forecast for the year. <a href="https://www.kefairport.com/news/forecast-for-2026" target="_blank">The forecast</a> therefore assumes that the total number of passengers will decline year on year, which is mainly reflected in the decrease in connecting passengers and fewer international trips by Icelanders during the year. On the other hand, the number of foreign tourists visiting Iceland is expected to remain almost unchanged and be comparable to recent years.

Forecast for passenger numbers this year 

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KEF welcomed 8.1 million visitors in 2025

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507,799 guests passed through Keflavík Airport (KEF) in December.

Keflavík Airport (KEF) welcomed 507,799 guests in December 2025. This represents an 8.1% decrease compared with December of the previous year.During the month, 17 airlines flew directly from KEF to 56 destinations, with London, Copenhagen, Manchester, New York and Paris among the most popular routes. The airport’s busiest day was 21 December, when more than 21,400 guests passed through the airport.

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According to the <a href="https://www.ferdamalastofa.is/en/moya/news/225-million-departures-of-foreign-passengers-in-2025" target="_self">Icelandic Tourist Board</a>, around 54,000 departures by Icelanders were recorded in December, representing a 16% increase compared with the same month last year.In total, Icelanders made around 709,000 departures in 2025, an 18% increase compared with 2024 (601,000). The highest number of departures occurred in April, when about 81,000 Icelanders travelled abroad. This marks the largest travel year on record for Icelanders in terms of overseas travel, surpassing the previous record from 2018, when departures totalled approximately 668,000.Departures by international guests in December totalled around 120,000, a reduction of approximately 22,000 compared with December 2024. This corresponds to a year-on-year decline of 16%.American guests accounted for the largest share of international departures in December, with around 27,000 departures, or 23% of the total. They were followed by guests from the United Kingdom (19,000), China (12,000), Poland (5,000) and France (4,000).For the full year, departures by international guests via Keflavík Airport reached approximately 2.25 million, around 8,000 fewer than in 2024, representing a marginal decline of 0.4%. August was the busiest month for international departures, with around 311,000 guests, an increase of roughly 30,000 compared with August the previous year.

508 thousand guests in December

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We welcomed 500,074 guests in November 2025.

The year is nearly wrapped up, and November was an eventful month at the airport. A total of 500,074 guests made their way through the airport, which is a 5.5% decrease compared with November last year.During November, 15 airlines operated direct services from KEF to 57 destinations. The most popular destinations were London, Copenhagen, Manchester, Paris and New York.The busiest day of the month was 2 November, when approximately 20,653 guests travelled through the airport.

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According to <a href="https://www.ferdamalastofa.is/en/moya/news/141-thousand-departures-of-foreign-passengers-in-november" target="_self">figures from the Icelandic Tourist Board</a>, around 42,000 Icelanders departed from KEF in November, representing a 19.6% increase compared with the same month last year. From the beginning of the year (January–November), Icelanders have travelled abroad approximately 655,000 times, an increase of 18.1% year-on-year.Departures of international guests from Iceland via KEF totalled around 141,000 in November, a decrease of 13% compared with November last year. American guests accounted for the largest share, with around 32,000 departures, or 23% of all international departures, representing a decrease of more than 31% year-on-year. British guests followed, with approximately 24,000 departures (17% of the total), also a decline of over 31%.By contrast, departures of Chinese guests increased significantly, reaching around 9,000 in November (6% of the total), an increase of more than 57% compared with the same month last year. German guests accounted for just over 7,000 departures (5%), followed by Italian guests at just under 7,000 (5%).From January to November, approximately 2.1 million international guests departed from Iceland, representing a 0.7% increase compared with the same period last year.

More than 500 thousand guests in November

Over 7.5 million passengers are expected to travel through Keflavík Airport (KEF) in 2026, including 2.24 million foreign tourists, according to the airport’s newly published passenger forecast. 

The forecast assumes a year-on-year decline in total passenger numbers, driven mainly by fewer connecting passengers and reduced international travel by Icelanders. Meanwhile, the number of foreign tourists visiting Iceland is expected to remain virtually unchanged and in line with recent years.

Grétar Már Garðarsson

It is clear that demand for visiting Iceland remains both strong and stable. This is reflected in the fact that we expect the same number of foreign visitors next year as we have welcomed in recent years. The withdrawal of Play from the market has, of course, affected flight availability, but through targeted efforts we have been able to limit the impact, especially when it comes to foreign visitors.

KEF’s forecast for 2026 projects 7.51 million passengers, compared to 8.12 million in 2025, a 7.4% decrease year-on-year. The decline is expected to be 8.1% during the summer months and 6.0% in winter. The largest change is among connecting passengers, who are forecast to decrease by 15.3%, while international travel by Icelanders is projected to fall by 13.2%. Departing and arriving passengers combined will decline more modestly, by 4.5%.“We have been working systematically to fill the gap left by Play, which was our second-largest carrier. Although the gap has not yet been fully closed, we see several positive signs. For instance, if we compare the forecast to actual 2025 figures excluding Play, we see a 5.3% year-on-year increase in total passengers. This shows that other airlines are doing well in taking over the capacity,” says Grétar Már.

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The tourist forecast includes both foreign tourists arriving in Iceland and Icelanders travelling abroad via KEF. An estimated 2.24 million foreign tourists will visit Iceland in 2026, compared to 2.27 million in 2025, a 1.2% change. However, international travel by Icelanders is expected to decline significantly next year, with 602,000 trips projected, down from 693,000 this year (a 13.2% decrease).“It is very encouraging that the number of foreign tourists remains almost unchanged. Their numbers have been remarkably stable in recent years, between 2.2 and 2.3 million annually since 2023,” says Grétar Már.

During the summer season, 27 airlines are scheduled to operate flights to 80 destinations, while 20 airlines will serve 65 destinations in winter. Two new carriers, Alaska Airlines and Air Transat, have already announced the launch of scheduled flights to KEF in the new year. In addition, five new North American connections and six new European connections will be added. The share of connecting passengers is estimated at 25%, a somewhat lower proportion than in recent years.

New airlines and new connections

The 2026 KEF Passenger Forecast is based on an analysis of factors influencing passenger demand for flights to and from the airport. The forecast relies on data about handling times secured by airlines, information from KEF Airport's systems, and updates on airline plans.Passenger numbers are categorized into three sections, including departing, arriving, and connecting passengers. Departing passengers are those departing from the airport after a stay in Iceland. Arriving passengers are those entering Iceland to stay, while connecting passengers use KEF as a transfer hub, changing to another flight without entering the country. Connecting passengers are counted both on arrival and departure.

About KEF’s Passenger Forecasts

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Stability in Foreign Tourist Numbers but a Decline in Total Passengers

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Guests at Keflavík Airport (KEF) wishing to exchange currency before departure are advised to do so at the Prosegur Change branch, located in the arrivals hall at the airport. 

he Prosegur Change branch, previously located inside the terminal at the shopping and dining area, has now been closed. Foreign currency can still be withdrawn from <a href="https://map.kefairport.com/#/profile?location=LOC-ACOJKXM0" target="_blank">ATMs located throughout the termina</a>l, both before and after security screening. Passengers can withdraw U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, British pounds, Euros, Norwegian kroner, and Polish złoty from these ATMs. These changes align with developments at airports around the world. With increased use of electronic payment methods and declining use of cash, demand for currency at KEF Airport has decreased significantly. The primary transactions conducted at KEF today involve foreign visitors exchanging Icelandic currency before travelling home. Passengers will continue to have the option to exchange Icelandic currency at the Prosegur Change branch, <a href="https://map.kefairport.com/#/profile?location=LOC-W1QVNT5F" target="_blank">located in the arrivals hall on the first floor</a>, before proceeding upstairs to security screening. The Prosegur Change branch is clearly signposted, making it easy for departing passengers to find.

Changes to Currency Exchange Services

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The Canadian airline WestJet has added two new Canadian destinations to its schedule at Keflavík Airport (KEF) for summer 2026. 

The Canadian airline <a href="https://www.westjet.com/" target="_self">WestJet</a> has added two new Canadian destinations to its schedule at Keflavík Airport (KEF) for summer 2026. There will be weekly flights between KEF and Edmonton starting June 27th next year, and between KEF and Winnipeg starting June 28th. WestJet had previously announced that flights between KEF and Calgary would resume for four to six times per week from May 17th to October 14th next summer.

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WestJet will operate Boeing 737 MAX aircraft between KEF and the three destinations. The airline joined the KEF airport community last spring and further strengthens its connection with a strong return this coming summer.

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John Weatherill, WestJet’s Chief Commercial Officer, says that by adding a direct connection between Edmonton and Iceland, the airline is reaffirming its commitment to maintaining strong international links for residents of Alberta. He added that Winnipeg also holds an important role for WestJet: “Just as Winnipeg plays a vital role in WestJet’s history, this route also holds a special meaning for Manitoba’s vast Icelandic community.”

Guðmundur Daði Rúnarsson

It is truly exciting to see WestJet strengthen its presence in Iceland by launching direct service between Keflavík and two new destinations, Edmonton and Winnipeg. This move reflects the airline’s strong confidence in the Iceland market and further enhances the connectivity between North America and Iceland. We look forward to welcoming WestJet’s travelers and believe these new routes will be an appealing option for Icelanders heading across the Atlantic and perhaps visiting relatives in Winnipeg.

WestJet Expands its Summer Schedule to Iceland

Canadian airline Air Transat has announced that it will begin operating flights to Iceland from Montreal.

Canadian airline <a href="https://www.airtransat.com/" target="_self">Air Transat</a> has announced that it will begin operating flights to Iceland. The route will connect Montreal, Canada, and Keflavík Airport (KEF), with flights twice weekly (on Mondays and Wednesdays), starting June 17th next year through September 28th. This marks the first time Air Transat operates flights to Iceland.

Founded in 1986, Air Transat will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year. The airline serves around sixty destinations in twenty-five countries, with its headquarters located in Montreal, in the province of Québec, Canada.

Director of Airlines and Marketing at Keflavík Airport.

We’re very pleased to welcome Air Transat as a new airline at Keflavík Airport, further expanding the range of carriers serving Iceland. Their new route to Montreal strengthens the important connection between Iceland and Canada, reflecting both the growing appeal of Iceland as a destination and the continued competitiveness of KEF.

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Air Transat joins the group of airlines at KEF

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There has never been a better time to explore what Keflavík Airport (KEF) has to offer.

There has never been a better time to explore what Keflavík Airport (KEF) has to offer. In recent years, KEF has placed a strong focus on expanding its dining and retail offering, by introducing fresh and vibrant options which suit every taste and travel style.

Berglind Snæland

It’s been rewarding to be part of the transformation the airport has undergone in recent years. Seeing how positively passengers have responded to the new additions and the excellent service has been wonderful. We expect a busy winter season ahead, and guest satisfaction remains our top priority. We’ve collaborated closely with many professionals to elevate the airport experience, and I can confidently say our selection has never been better.

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Two new arrivals, Point and Icelandic Deli, have joined the airport’s growing line-up this year.<a href="https://www.kefairport.com/shopping/icelandic-deli" target="_self">Icelandic Deli</a>, located in the airport’s main retail and dining area, offers a carefully curated selection of premium Icelandic products, from artisanal cheeses, gourmet chocolates, and local spices to smoked and dried meats. Travellers can also discover a range of Icelandic wines and spirits, perfect for gifts or a taste of Iceland to take home.

Fresh Flavours and Local Delicacies

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<a href="https://www.kefairport.com/restaurants/point" target="_self">Point</a> now operates three outlets across the terminal, in the departures hall, the arrivals area, and near Gate D on the first floor. A convenient stop for travellers on the go, Point offers a wide array of snacks, fresh pastries, pizzas, drinks, and travel essentials.Its newest branch in the arrivals hall replaces the former 10–11 convenience store and introduces an expanded menu featuring burgers, fries, sandwiches, salads, and pizzas, along with more seating areas for guests. To complement this, new Point vending machines have been installed throughout the terminal, providing easy access to food, beverages, and travel necessities 24 hours a day.

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Since May, <a href="https://www.kefairport.com/shopping/island-duty-free" target="_self">Iceland Duty Free</a> has taken over the operation of both the arrivals and departures duty-free stores, with a renewed focus on highlighting Icelandic brands alongside exciting international labels. A complete redesign is planned in collaboration with Heinemann and Icelandic architects Basalt, aiming to create a contemporary shopping environment inspired by Icelandic nature.

Showcasing the Best of Iceland and Beyond

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This summer also marked the successful debut of the “Fyrir Ísland,” which started as a pop-up shop, and has now moved to a larger, permanent space next to Blue Lagoon Skincare, in the former Húrra Reykjavík location. Popular with football fans, the store offers official Icelandic team jerseys, scarves, caps, keyrings, and other fan favourites.

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Further inside the terminal, near the gates, passengers can browse Icemart souvenir shop, alongside new outlets from <a href="https://www.kefairport.com/shopping/rammagerdin" target="_self">Rammagerðin</a> and <a href="https://www.kefairport.com/shopping/66-north" target="_self">66°North</a>, in addition their shops in the main shopping area.With such a diverse range of quality brands and local products, there is every reason to arrive early and enjoy a little retail therapy before take-off.

Alongside these new additions, the terminal continues to host much-loved restaurants such as <a href="https://www.kefairport.com/restaurants/elda" target="_self">Elda</a> and <a href="https://www.kefairport.com/restaurants/jomfruin" target="_self">Jómfrúin</a>. Then are the restaurants <a href="https://www.kefairport.com/restaurants/hjahollu" target="_self">Hjá Höllu</a> and <a href="https://www.kefairport.com/restaurants/loksins" target="_self">Loksins Café & Bar</a>, located near the C-gates, along with the iconic <a href="https://www.kefairport.com/restaurants/baejarins-bestu" target="_self">Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur</a> hot dog stand nearby.In October, new management took over restaurants previously operated by Lagardère Travel Retail. The owners of Hjá Höllu now also run Loksins Café & Bar, and the management of <a href="https://www.kefairport.com/restaurants/sbarro" target="_self">Sbarro</a> is now in the hands of the same operator as other Sbarro restaurants in Iceland. The Bakað cafés have closed, replaced by the newly opened Maika’i. Meanwhile, SSP Iceland continues to oversee <a href="https://www.kefairport.com/restaurants/keflavik-diner" target="_self">Keflavík Diner</a> and the airport’s food hall, Aðalstræti. Changes have been made within Aðalstræti: Zócalo has closed, and in its place a new drinking hub has opened, offering a wide range of drinks and quick service for travellers on the go. In addition, the Italian restaurant Trattoria Tavolare has opened, taking the place of La Trattoria.

Dining Options for Every Traveller

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We’re confident these updates will further enhance our guests’ experience this winter. All our new operators bring extensive experience in airport hospitality, and the transition has been seamless thanks to excellent teamwork across all parties.

With a wider range of restaurants than ever before, Keflavík Airport now caters to the diverse tastes and expectations of travellers from all over the world.

Travel, taste and treasures – Elevated Passenger Experience

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We welcomed 655,572 guests at Keflavík Airport (KEF) in October 2025.

October was an eventful month at Keflavík Airport, and towards the end of the month, unusually heavy snowfall affected flights departing from Iceland. A total of 655,572 guests passed through the airport, 8.3% fewer than in October of the previous year.In total, 26 airlines operated direct flights to 67 destinations from KEF in October. The most popular destinations were London, Copenhagen, New York, Amsterdam, and Paris.The busiest day in the month was October 5, with around 26,000 guests travelling through the airport.

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According to the <a href="https://www.ferdamalastofa.is/en/moya/news/200-thousand-departures-of-foreign-passengers-in-october" target="_self">Icelandic Tourist Board</a>, the departures of Icelanders numbered around 56,000 in October, a 3% increase compared to October 2024. Since the beginning of the year, Icelanders have travelled abroad about 613,000 times, representing an 18% increase compared to the same period last year.Departures of foreign guests from the country totalled about 200,000 in October, which is 6.2% fewer than in October 2024. The largest group was Americans, accounting for around 53,000 departures (27% of all foreign departures), followed by British travellers with 23,000 (12%), Chinese with nearly 15,000 (7%), Germans with about 13,000 (7%), and French with just over 7,000 (4%).

Over 655 thousand guests in October

To celebrate the Iceland Airwaves music festival, guests at Keflavík Airport (KEF) were treated to live performances in the departures hall by Máni Orrason and the duo Kusk & Óviti.

The Iceland Airwaves spirit took over Keflavík Airport (KEF) on Wednesday, November 5, when KUSK & Óviti and Máni Orrason turned the departure hall into an unexpected concert venue.Kusk & Óviti, an electro-pop duo featuring Kolbrún Óskarsdóttir and Hrannar Máni Ólafsson, are known for blending bedroom, synth, and dream-pop with drum & bass influences. Their latest album, Rífast, marks a bold new direction, a true party record, according to the artists.

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Singer-songwriter Máni Orrason first gained national attention in 2014 at just 16 years old with his single “Fed All My Days” from Repeating Patterns. He has since released three albums and toured internationally.

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Founded over two decades ago in a Reykjavík airplane hangar, Iceland Airwaves has become one of the country’s most important cultural events, drawing local and global audiences alike. The festival showcases world-class performances and shines a spotlight on Iceland’s thriving music scene.

As part of its commitment to highlighting Icelandic culture, Keflavík Airport is proud to host Airwaves performances for travellers once again. The 2025 Iceland Airwaves festival takes place November 6–8 in downtown Reykjavík, featuring some of the freshest music from around the world.
Happy Iceland Airwaves Festival!

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Iceland Airwaves music magic at KEF

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Icelandair celebrated its first scheduled flight to Miami, Florida, this weekend.

Icelandair’s first flight to Miami departed on Saturday, October 25, from Keflavík Airport (KEF), marking an exciting milestone in the airline’s route network. Icelandair will operate three weekly flights to Miami, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, until 2 May 2026. The route is served by the airline’s new Airbus A321LR aircraft, with a flight time of approximately eight hours

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At Keflavík Airport (KEF), we are always pleased when our airline partners expand their route networks, as this strengthens the position of KEF and Iceland as a hub between continents.

“Now one of our partners is introducing an exciting new destination in the United States, opening fresh opportunities both for Icelandic travellers and for visitors coming to Iceland. As ACI Europe, the European branch of Airports Council International, has highlighted, increased air connectivity drives economic growth. Every new route enhances Iceland’s links with the world across all areas of life,” says Guðmundur Daði Rúnarsson, Chief Commercial & Airport Development Officer at Keflavik Airport.Miami becomes Icelandair’s 19th destination in North America and the second in Florida, complementing the long-standing Orlando service. The city is renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and lively nightlife.

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Bogi Nils Bogason

We are delighted to launch flights to Miami and offer our passengers a new and exciting destination in Florida. Our new Airbus A321LR aircraft enable us to add exciting new destinations, and Miami is a perfect example. This route also creates convenient connections for travellers from Miami to our 38 destinations in Europe via Iceland—and vice versa.

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Icelandair celebrates inaugural flight to Miami

Isavia Group´s operating results before depreciation, capital items and taxes (EBITDA) of ISK 4,245 million for the first half of 2025, compared to ISK 3,213 million for the same period last year. This represents an improvement of ISK 1,032 million and a stronger outcome than initially projected in the company’s forecasts.The Group’s revenues increased by ISK 1,192 million year-on-year, reaching ISK 24,453 million for the period. Net profit after taxes amounted to ISK 1,130 million, up from ISK 455 million in the first half of 2024.Investments in the Group’s operations totalled ISK 6,107 million in the first six months of 2025, compared to ISK 8,533 million during the same period last year.During the first half of the year, approximately 3.7 million passengers passed through Keflavík International Airport (KEF), representing a 1.8% increase year-on-year.Key Figures from Isavia Group’s Half-Year Financial Report 2025<ul><li>Revenue: ISK 24,453 million</li><li>EBITDA: ISK 4,245 million</li><li>Comprehensive results after tax: ISK 1,130 million</li><li>Cash and cash equivalents: ISK 6,556 million</li><li>Investments in fixed assets: ISK 6,107 million</li><li>Equity at end of period: ISK 50,421 million</li><li>Equity ratio: 42.1%</li></ul>

Isavia Interim results

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A brand-new children’s play area inspired by the magical world of Tulipop has opened at the Keflavík Airport (KEF).

A new play area for children, inspired by the magical world of Tulipop, has opened at Keflavík Airport (KEF). The play area is designed to make travel more fun for the airport’s youngest guests. The space encourages imagination and creativity through free play and is located by the Aðalstræti dining area on the second floor of the airport’s new east wing.

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The project is a collaboration between Tulipop and the design studio ÞYKJÓ, with contributions from Krumma, Merking, Irma, and Fjöl. Nearby, travellers can also enjoy interactive iWall game from Finnish company CSE Entertainment, perfect for anyone wanting to stretch their legs and have some fun before a flight.

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Founded in 2010 by Signý Kolbeinsdóttir and Helga Árnadóttir, Tulipop is beloved for its colourful fantasy world and diverse characters. The brand has produced a 52-episode animated TV series that has aired on Sjónvarp Símans and RÚV and in over 30 countries worldwide, including the UK, Italy, the Middle East, and China.

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Bringing the Tulipop universe to Keflavík Airport is one of the most enjoyable projects we’ve done. We’re always looking for ways to enhance the travel experience, and we’re delighted to offer something special for children and their parents.

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Helga Árnadóttir

It’s been an incredibly exciting project to create a magical world for children at Keflavík Airport in collaboration with ÞYKJÓ. From the very beginning, Tulipop’s goal has been to create an enchanting world of wonder for younger generations and to share positive messages with both children and adults. We sincerely hope this will reach the airport’s youngest guests and that they will enjoy the play area for many years to come.

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Tulipop Playground Opens at KEF

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We welcomed 751,376 guests at Keflavík Airport (KEF) in September 2025.

A total of 751,376 guests made their way through Keflavík Airport (KEF) in september, which is a -5% fewer than in September of the previous year.In total, 27 airlines flew to 77 destinations. The most popular destinations were Copenhagen, London, New York, Amsterdam, and Paris.The busiest day in the month was September 7, with over 31,000 guests travelling through the airport.

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According to the <a href="https://www.ferdamalastofa.is/en/moya/news/224-thousand-departures-of-foreign-passengers-in-september" target="_self">Icelandic Tourist Board</a>, the departures of Icelanders were nearly 59,000 in September. Since the beginning of the year, Icelanders have travelled abroad about 556,000 times, representing a 20% increase compared to the same period last year.Departures of foreign guests from the country totalled about 224,000 in September. The largest group were Americans, accounting for 74,000 departures (33% of all foreign departures), followed by Germans with 17,000 (8%), Chinese with 14,000 (6%), British travellers with 13,000 (6%), and Spaniards with 11,000 (5%).

More than 750 thousand guests in September

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Today marks the launch of the new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) at Keflavik Airport. Self-service kiosks connected to the Entry/Exit system have been ready in the terminal at Keflavík Airport for some time. Passengers may have seen them, wrapped in plastic, in the border control hall. They will now be put into use.

The rollout of the new departure system will take place in phases and is expected to be fully implemented by April 2026. The project is led by the office of the National Police Commissioner of Icelandic and will replace the manual stamping of passports. Instead, the registration of travelers entering or leaving the Schengen Area from non-Schengen countries will be handled digitally, using fingerprints and facial images of arriving passengers.  The European Union has been developing this electronic registration system in recent years to enhance border management across the Schengen Area. The implementation of the new system will begin on 12 October at all external Schengen borders, including Iceland’s.

New Entry/Exit System Implemented at KEF

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United Airlines will begin direct flights between Keflavík Airport (KEF) and Washington D.C. (Dulles) in its summer schedule for 2026.

The first flight will take place on May 21st 2026, and service between the destinations will continue through September 2026. Ticket sales began today.In next year’s summer schedule, United will also offer daily flights from Keflavík to New York/Newark and Chicago, as in previous years. This means that three United destinations in the U.S. will be accessible to passengers from Iceland via direct flights next summer.United Airlines began service between Keflavík and New York/Newark in May 2018 and added Chicago as a destination in July 2021. With the new route to Washington Dulles International Airport, a third U.S. destination is now added to the airline’s offerings from Iceland.

We at Keflavík Airport are very pleased with United Airlines’ decision to add a new destination from KEF. Our partnership with United has been highly successful since the airline began flying here in 2018, and we welcome the expansion of its schedule. This move further demonstrates the airline’s confidence in Iceland as a destination. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with United Airlines even further.

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United Airlines adds flights from Washington D.C. to KEF

A new Point store will open in the arrivals hall of Keflavík Airport (KEF) later this year, offering travellers a wide selection of food, travel essentials, and Icelandic delicacies.

This autumn, Point will open a new store in the arrivals hall at Keflavík Airport (KEF). Point will offer guests a wide variety of hot meals, including burgers, fries, pizzas, and sandwiches. In additions they will offer increased seating are for customers, various travel products, premium coffee from Kaffitár, snacks, beverages, fresh baked goods, and other delicious snacks.

Point is operated by SSP, a leading international company specializing in food and beverage services at airports worldwide. SSP already operates several well-known concepts at KEF Airport, including Jómfrúin and Elda, launched in collaboration with local restaurateurs three years ago. Earlier this year, SSP opened two additional Point stores within the terminal, one in the main shopping and dining area and another near the D-gates on the first floor.

Global expertise in airport retail

Åste Haukvik

We have enjoyed a successful partnership with Keflavík Airport, and our two existing Point stores are performing very well. We are delighted to now extend our offering to arriving passengers, giving them convenient access to a wide range of food and refreshing drinks to enjoy after their journey.

In addition to the stores, Point vending machines are available throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to purchase popular products quickly and conveniently. SSP also operates the Icelandic Deli gourmet shop on the second floor and Elda Bar on the first floor by the D-gates.

The new Point arrivals store is scheduled to partially open in November. Until then, a pop-up shop will serve arriving passengers with essentials such as coffee, drinks, snacks, and ready-made cold dishes. The expanded store will later feature a wide variety of hot meals, including burgers, fries, pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and more, along with increased seating for customers.

Expanded choice for arriving passengers

KEF Airport is continually evolving to meet the diverse needs of the many guests who travel through our terminal. Ensuring that our guests enjoy both variety and quality in our retail and dining offering is of immense importance to us. The new Point store will provide an outstanding selection of both Icelandic and international products for arrivals hall visitors, and we are confident that the expansion will enhance the experience for passengers and guests alike.

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