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BIAR - Akureyri Airport

Overview

Akureyri Airport (BIAR) is the main airport serving Akureyri and northern Iceland. The airport supports domestic scheduled flights, regional services, general aviation, air ambulance operations, training flights, and occasional international or charter traffic.

Akureyri is an important regional airport in Iceland, with traffic often operating to and from Reykjavík, Greenland, and smaller Icelandic communities. Due to its northern location and surrounding terrain, pilots should expect challenging weather, turbulence, icing conditions, and close attention to published procedures.

Weather conditions at Akureyri can change rapidly. Low cloud, snow showers, strong winds, reduced visibility, and winter contamination are common, particularly during the colder months.

Use of stands

Area Stands Assigned to
Main Apron - North & South 1-6 Domestic passenger operations
Remote / GA Apron 7-12 General aviation, business aviation & overflow parking
Helicopter / Special Operations As assigned Helicopter, ambulance and special operations

IFR Clearance

Initial contact is with Akureyri Tower, reporting:

  • Callsign
  • Stand number or parking position
  • ATIS identification letter
  • Destination

Example: “Akureyri Tower, ICE4AH stand 2, Dash 8 with information Alpha, request IFR clearance to Reykjavík.”

Pilots unable to comply with published SIDs due to aircraft or navigation limitations should advise ATC immediately on first contact.

Push-back

Most stands at Akureyri are suitable for power-out or self-manoeuvring operations, depending on aircraft type and traffic situation.

ATC may issue:

  • Power-out approved
  • Straight-back push
  • Face north/south push instructions

Taxi

Taxi instructions normally include the full taxi route. Pilots should use caution due to the compact apron layout and mixed traffic environment.

  • Read back all hold short instructions
  • Monitor for GA, ambulance and regional traffic
  • Exercise caution in winter conditions

Runways

Akureyri Airport operates a single runway:

Runway Length Common Use
01/19 2,400 m / 7,874 ft Primary arrival and departure runway

Runway selection depends heavily on wind, visibility, traffic flow, runway condition and aircraft performance.

SIDs

Standard Instrument Departures from Akureyri integrate into Icelandic domestic and regional airspace.

Initial climb altitudes are assigned by ATC and must not be exceeded unless cleared.

If unable to comply with RNAV procedures, advise ATC for radar vectors or alternative departure instructions.

Important Note When Departing

Akureyri IFR departures may be handed over shortly before or after departure depending on ATC coverage.

Example: “ICE4AH, when airborne contact Reykjavík Control on XXX.XXX, wind XXX degrees XX knots, runway XX, cleared for takeoff.”

Arrival and STARs

Akureyri arrivals may involve:

  • RNAV arrivals
  • VOR/NDB-based procedures
  • Radar vectoring when available
  • Visual approaches when conditions permit

Do not descend unless explicitly cleared by ATC. Receiving an arrival or approach clearance does not automatically mean unrestricted descent unless the procedure and clearance allow it.

Approach

Expect an instrument approach during poor weather, with visual approaches available when conditions permit.

Runway Approach Types Frequency Course
01 ILS/LOC, RNP 108.90 008
19 RNP, VOR, NDB 110.50 183

Navigation Aids

Akureyri is supported by navigation aids used for arrivals, departures and instrument approach procedures.

Navaid Type Frequency Usage
AKI VOR/DME 113.60 Primary navigation aid for Akureyri procedures

Low Visibility Procedures (LVP)

Reduced visibility operations may occur during fog, snow, blowing snow, or low cloud. Pilots should ensure they are familiar with the published approach minima and runway condition reports.

Direct Routings

Direct routings are common within Icelandic domestic airspace when traffic and ATC workload permit.

  • Directs to enroute fixes
  • Shortened arrivals
  • Vectoring around weather systems

Communications

You can always check online positions and sectors by visiting VATSIM Radar.

Callsign Description Frequency
BIAR_ATIS Akureyri ATIS 136.200
BIAR_TWR Akureyri Tower 118.200
BIRD_S1_CTR Reykjavík Control 119.700

Notes

  • Akureyri is a key airport for northern Iceland domestic operations.
  • Terrain and weather can make approaches challenging.
  • Winter runway conditions should be carefully checked before departure and arrival.
  • Regional turboprop and ambulance traffic are common.
  • Pilots should be prepared for visual manoeuvring when weather permits.
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