Tourism in Iceland is a fast-growing industry and its scope of activities has increased in all fields. The growth is so prodigious that it tests infrastructure in many areas.
The foreign exchange earnings generated by the tourism industry have grown concurrently with the increased number of passengers travelling to the country. The tourism industry has reached the point of being the industry generating most of Iceland’s foreign exchange earnings.
Isavia, the Icelandic authorities, the airlines and other stakeholders have been successful in promoting Keflavík Airport to foreign airlines, particularly outside peak hours. Passenger numbers outside peak hours have grown proportionately faster than during peak hours in recent years. The greatest growth in passenger numbers has been in September and October.
Keflavík Airport is the largest gateway into Iceland and is one of the most important individual aspects of the tourism industry. It is important that care is taken as regards the enlargement plans for Keflavík Airport, which are necessary for the airport to be able to welcome the growing number of passengers in the future. It is clear that if Keflavík Airport is properly developed, it will be profitable, not only for the operation of the airport but for the entire economy
of Iceland. We must, however, ensure that developments are carried out in such a manner that they do not cause the economy to overheat.
The recently issued Roadmap for Tourism Iceland predicts continued growth in the activities of the sector and a significant increase in foreign exchange earnings. Isavia’s development schedule is a phased development plan based on forecasts of passenger numbers in coming years.
Isavia’s financial position has strengthened considerably in recent years in line with its increased scope of operations. These are an important prerequisite to enable the company to cover the increased leveraging with the necessary developments ahead.
Isavia’s passenger forecast is based on the forecasts of the main airlines operating
in Keflavik Airport. The total number of passengers passing through Keflavík Airport is expected to increase by 37%
in 2016. There were 25 airlines flying to Keflavík Airport during peak periods
this year. In 2010, there were eleven. We anticipate continued growth over the
next few years although not as much proportionately as in recent years. The forecast for the future is a 3% increase in passenger numbers, which is in accordance with the long-term forecast of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
As before, the heaviest traffic through Keflavík Airport is early in the morning and then again in the afternoon. This is for the most part due to the manner in which the route networks of Icelandair and WOW air are organised. Considerable success has been achieved in getting in new airlines that arrive and depart outside peak hours. It is important for this trend to continue, to ensure optimal utilisation of the installations at Keflavík Airport.
