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Keflavík Airport

    Moderate Passenger Growth in 2025 and a Record Year for Tourist Arrivals

    Nearly 8.4 million passengers are expected to travel through Keflavík Airport (KEF) in 2025, according to the airport's passenger forecast for the year. This marks a 0.8% increase compared to the previous year. The forecast anticipates a 3% increase in foreign tourist arrivals, reaching over 2.32 million.
    5 min read

    Nearly 8.4 million passengers are expected to travel through Keflavík Airport (KEF) in 2025, according to the airport's passenger forecast for the year. This marks a 0.8% increase compared to the 8.3 million passengers in 2024. Additionally, the forecast anticipates a 3% increase in foreign tourist arrivals, reaching over 2.32 million—approximately 9,000 more than the record set in 2018.

    We anticipate moderate growth, making 2025 the third largest year for passenger numbers at Keflavík Airport and a record year for foreign tourist arrivals. This reflects the airport's strong position as a hub and Iceland’s continued appeal as a destination despite recent challenges.

    Guðmundur Daði RúnarssonChief Commercial & Airport Development Officer at KEF

    "This year, we will complete the opening the new east wing of the terminal, including four new gangways that provide direct access to aircraft. This milestone enhances the quality and service of the airport, strengthens our international competitiveness, and delivers a better experience for our guests and customers," says Guðmundur Daði furthermore.

    The 2025 forecast predicts that 8.37 million passengers will travel through Keflavík Airport. Passenger volumes have only been higher in 2017, with 8.76 million passengers, and in 2018, with 9.80 million. The expected 0.8% year-on-year growth in 2025 is most notable in April, with a projected 16.7% increase, and in May, with a 7.1% rise.

    During the summer months, 26 airlines are scheduled to operate flights to 92 destinations, while in winter, 21 airlines will serve 70 destinations. Transit passengers, using KEF as a connecting hub without staying in Iceland, are expected to make up around 30% of the total passenger count, similar to 2024.

    The passenger forecast also includes projections for foreign tourists arriving in Iceland via KEF and Icelanders traveling abroad.

    Over 2.32 million foreign tourists are expected to arrive in Iceland via Keflavík Airport in 2025, according to the forecast. This sets a new record, surpassing the previous peak in 2018 by nearly 9,000 tourists. In 2024, approximately 2.26 million foreign tourists arrived, marking a projected 3% year-on-year increase. The largest increases are expected in April (16.6%), May (10.8%), and June (6.1%).

    Travel by Icelanders abroad is also expected to grow by 1%, with an estimated 612,000 Icelandic citizens traveling internationally. This equates to an average of 1.6 trips per person over the course of the year.

    About KEF’s Pass­enger For­ec­asts

    The 2025 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.