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Akureyri International Airport

Akureyri, Iceland

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Routes out

Destinations

BIAR

ICAO

6 ft

Elevation

AirlinesAirports profile

Iceland's gateway to the north, serving the capital of the Arctic.

Opened

1942

Location

Akureyri, Iceland

Akureyri International Airport (AEY/BIAR) is the second busiest airport in Iceland, located near the city of Akureyri on the shores of Eyjafjörður fjord in northern Iceland. It serves as the primary air link between the capital region of Reykjavík and northern Iceland, as well as handling international charter and scheduled services. The airport sits at an elevation of approximately 6 metres above sea level and operates year-round, supporting both commercial aviation and general aviation traffic. Its location in a fjord valley means pilots must navigate mountainous terrain during approaches, making it a technically demanding airfield. Akureyri is Iceland's second largest city and a major hub for tourism in northern Iceland, with the airport playing a key role in connecting the region to domestic and international destinations, particularly during the summer tourist season.

Terminals

The airport has a single modest terminal building handling both domestic and international passengers.

Getting to & from

The airport is located approximately 3 kilometres from the centre of Akureyri and is accessible by taxi and rental car, with limited public bus services available.

Airlines here

Icelandair and Eagle Air (Ernir Air) operate services through Akureyri, with Icelandair providing connections to Reykjavík Keflavík and select international routes.

Notable facts

›Akureyri Airport is the second busiest airport in Iceland after Keflavík International Airport.
›The airport is situated within a fjord, requiring specific approach and departure procedures due to surrounding mountains.
›It serves as an important hub for reaching popular northern Iceland attractions such as Lake Mývatn and the Westfjords.
›The airport has a runway length of approximately 2,400 metres, capable of handling narrow-body jet aircraft.
›During winter, the airport supports operations related to northern lights tourism in the region.

Official website Wikipedia

This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Route map (1 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Airlines serving this airport

Air Iceland

Routes

AEY → RKVNY · F50 DH8

Aircraft operating here

Fokker 501 routes DH81 routes

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City & Place Guide

Iceland's vibrant northern capital nestled beside a majestic fjord.

Akureyri is Iceland's second-largest city, sitting at the head of Eyjafjörður, the country's longest fjord. Despite its small population of around 20,000, it punches well above its weight with a lively arts scene, excellent restaurants, and a charming pedestrian downtown anchored by the iconic Akureyrarkirkja church.

The city serves as the gateway to the stunning landscapes of northern Iceland, including Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss waterfall, and the Tröllaskagi peninsula. Winters bring opportunities for the northern lights and skiing at nearby Hlíðarfjall, while summers offer near-endless daylight and lush greenery that surprises many visitors expecting Arctic bleakness.

•Akureyrarkirkja — striking hilltop Lutheran church with panoramic fjord views.
•Goðafoss Waterfall — breathtaking 'Waterfall of the Gods' just 45 minutes away.
•Lake Mývatn — otherworldly volcanic landscape with hot springs and birdlife.
•Lystigarðurinn — one of the world's northernmost botanical gardens, surprisingly colorful.
•Hlíðarfjall Ski Resort — top Icelandic ski area with excellent winter runs.
•Akureyri Art Museum — rotating contemporary exhibitions in the heart of downtown.

Getting around: Akureyri has no rail service, but the Strætó public bus system connects the town center and surrounding areas affordably. Long-distance buses link Akureyri to Reykjavík and other regions via the Ring Road. Taxis are available but expensive; rideshare apps are not widely used. Renting a car is strongly recommended for exploring surrounding attractions like Mývatn and Goðafoss.

Best time: Visit from June to August for long daylight hours, mild temperatures, and access to all outdoor attractions, or in December through February for northern lights and skiing.

Local food: Sample fresh Arctic char and langoustine at local restaurants, and don't miss Brynja, a legendary Akureyri ice cream shop beloved by locals year-round.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.