flugvelli

Flugvelli is the Icelandic term for a facility used for takeoff and landing of aircraft. It covers airports and smaller airfields and includes infrastructure for civil, military, and general aviation. In Icelandic usage, the word is formed from flug (flight) and völlur/völlur (field). A flugvöllur can be an international airport with passenger terminals and customs, a domestic or regional airport, or a private airstrip used for general aviation or emergency services.

Larger flugvellir provide paved runways, control facilities, maintenance facilities, and navigation aids, while smaller ones may have grass or gravel strips and basic services. International flugvellir typically offer passenger terminals, security screening, and cargo handling, along with air traffic services and instrument approaches. Iceland’s geography and climate shape operations at many flugvellir, which may be exposed to strong winds, variable weather, and, at times, volcanic activity that can disrupt schedules.

Notable examples in Iceland include Keflavík International Airport, the country’s principal international gateway located southwest of the capital area, and Reykjavík Domestic Airport, which handles domestic traffic and connects to regional airfields. Other regional flugvellir serve communities across the country, supporting tourism, commerce, and regional access.

Regulation and safety are managed by national authorities responsible for transport and aviation safety, which oversee licensing, inspections, air traffic operations, and adherence to international aviation standards. Environmental considerations include weather resilience, volcanic ash risks, and noise management around populated areas.