⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic → International
75
minutes
International → Domestic
75
minutes
International → International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is the primary aviation hub for Iceland, currently undergoing a multi-billion ISK phased expansion to modernize its infrastructure and increase capacity. As of early 2026, the airport operates from a single large terminal complex divided into distinct wings: the North Building and the South Building, connected by a central commercial spine. A massive new 27,000-square-meter central hub building is presently under construction to further integrate these structures, which may result in temporary walkways and signage changes for transiting passengers.
The terminal's layout is organized by gate zones to manage the flow of Schengen and non-Schengen traffic efficiently. Gates A (A11–A16) are located on the upper level of the North Building, while the South Building houses Gates C (C21–C36) for Schengen destinations and Gates D (D21–D36) on the lower level for non-Schengen flights, such as those to the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada. Passengers heading to Zone D must clear passport control, which is situated at the transition point between the upper and lower levels of the South Building.
Amenities at KEF are designed to showcase Icelandic culture while providing world-class travel services. The 'Commercial Spine' on Level 2 features extensive 24/7 duty-free shopping, including specialized outlets for Icelandic outdoor brand 66°North and Blue Lagoon skincare. Premium travelers can access the Icelandair Saga Lounge, known for its panoramic airfield views and fireplace, or utilize shared lounge areas in the D-gate zone. The arrivals area on Level 1 is also being modernized in early 2026, featuring expanded baggage claim carousels and upgraded facilities for car rental services and convenience shopping.
Ground transportation is well-integrated with the capital city of Reykjavík, located approximately 45 minutes away. Flybus and Airport Direct coaches depart frequently from clearly marked stops immediately outside the Arrivals Hall, providing direct links to the city's central bus station and major hotels. For those visiting the Reykjanes Peninsula, the famous Blue Lagoon is just a 20-minute drive from the terminal. Multiple on-site parking lots (P1-P4) cater to both short-term and long-term needs, with a free shuttle service connecting the more distant lots to the terminal entrance. Travelers are generally advised to arrive three hours before international departures to account for peak transatlantic flight banks.
🔄 Connection Tips
Connecting at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is designed around a 'one-roof' concept, though the ongoing 2026 construction projects require careful navigation. For passengers transiting between Schengen flights, the process is streamlined as you remain within the secure airside area, typically moving between Gates A and C. However, if your connection involves a non-Schengen destination (Zone D), you must clear passport control at the designated border crossing within the terminal. It is highly recommended to allow at least 90 minutes for any international-to-international connection to account for potential queues at immigration. Ground transportation is a vital link for those with long layovers who wish to visit the nearby Blue Lagoon or Reykjavík. If you choose to leave the airport, ensure you have at least 6 hours of buffer time to account for travel and re-entry security. The Flybus is the most reliable option for reaching the city center, while pre-booked private transfers are recommended for direct trips to the lagoon. Digital information displays throughout the terminal provide real-time updates on gate assignments and flight statuses in both Icelandic and English, making it easy to track your next leg while you wait in the central commercial area. Practical preparation for a KEF connection includes utilizing the airport's modern digital infrastructure. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected and confirm onward bookings. While there are numerous ATMs and currency exchange offices in the arrivals and departures areas, Iceland is a predominantly cashless society, and all terminal shops and services accept contactless card payments. If you have a short wait between flights, the upper-level food court and the commercial spine offer the best selection of Icelandic refreshments and quiet seating areas away from the busier gate lounges.
⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Hjaltabakki Airport (BLO), operating under ICAO identifier BIBL, is a small public-use aviation facility serving the town of Blönduós in Iceland's Northwestern Region. Located at coordinates 65.6449966°N, 20.2875004°W at an elevation of 40 meters (131 feet) above sea level, this airport functions primarily as an emergency medical services hub and occasional general aviation facility. The airport operates in the Atlantic/Reykjavik timezone and serves the broader Austur-Húnavatnssýsla region, providing critical aviation infrastructure for an area where weather and terrain conditions can make road transport challenging.
The airport features a single runway designated 4/22, measuring 3,182 feet (967 meters) in length with a gravel surface typical of many smaller Icelandic airfields. The runway is oriented to handle the prevailing wind patterns of the region, though its natural surface requires careful monitoring due to Iceland's variable Arctic climate. During winter months, the runway can be significantly affected by snow accumulation, ice formation, and limited daylight hours, making operations highly dependent on weather conditions and requiring specialized cold-weather operational procedures. The facility does not maintain weather reporting equipment, with the nearest METAR station located at Akureyri Airport, approximately 102 kilometers away.
The terminal infrastructure at Hjaltabakki is minimal, consisting of a small building that serves basic operational needs for emergency services and occasional private aircraft operations. There are no scheduled commercial flights, passenger amenities, or extensive ground services typically found at larger airports. The facility primarily supports air ambulance operations, which are critical for medical emergencies in this sparsely populated region where the nearest hospital services may be hours away by road. A non-directional beacon (NDB) with identifier 'BL' is located 2.5 nautical miles north of the runway 21 threshold, providing basic navigation assistance for aircraft approaching in poor visibility conditions.
One of the airport's key advantages is its strategic location just 300 meters from Iceland's Ring Road (Route 1), providing exceptional road access that makes it valuable for emergency medical evacuations and essential supply flights. This proximity to the primary transportation corridor means that patients or cargo can be rapidly transferred between ground and air transport modes. The nearest airport with scheduled passenger services is Akureyri Airport (AEY), located 148 kilometers to the east, making Hjaltabakki an important backup facility and emergency landing site for aircraft operating in northwestern Iceland's challenging operating environment.
🔄 Connection Tips
Connecting at Hjaltabakki Airport (BLO) in Blönduós is an experience defined by remote logistics rather than traditional commercial transit, as the facility is a small gravel airstrip primarily serving private charters and vital air ambulance (Medevac) missions. There are no scheduled commercial flights here; instead, the airport functions as a critical aviation link for the Austur-Húnavatnssýsla region in northwestern Iceland. If you are 'connecting' at BLO, it almost certainly involves a pre-arranged private mission or an emergency medical transport. The 'terminal' is a minimalist structure with no shops, restaurants, or Wi-Fi, making it essential for travelers to be entirely self-sufficient, carrying their own water, food, and communication equipment.
A key logistical advantage of the airfield is its extreme proximity to Route 1, Iceland's main Ring Road, which is located just 300 meters from the runway area. However, because there are no on-site taxi stands or rental car counters, all ground transportation must be pre-coordinated. Visitors typically arrange for a local resident to meet them or have a rental car delivered from the town of Blönduós (only 5 minutes away) or from larger hubs like Akureyri (roughly 2.5 hours away). If your connection involves a journey across the northern mountain passes between October and April, a 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended due to the region's unpredictable snow and ice conditions.
Operations at the 970-meter gravel runway are strictly daylight-only under visual flight rules (VFR) and are highly sensitive to the volatile Icelandic climate. It is essential to confirm runway conditions with your charter operator before departure, as heavy rain or snow can render the surface unusable. For those seeking scheduled domestic flights, the nearest major hub is Akureyri Airport (AEY).
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