BIKF – Keflavík International Airport
Overview
Keflavík International Airport is Iceland’s primary international gateway and the main hub for long-haul and transatlantic operations across the North Atlantic. Located approximately 50 km southwest of Reykjavík, Keflavík serves as a strategic midpoint between Europe and North America and handles a high volume of oceanic, ETOPS, cargo, military, and international passenger traffic.
The airport is dominated by international operations, with Icelandair operating an extensive route network to Europe and North America. Cargo flights, NATO-related traffic, and business aviation are also common. Domestic traffic generally operates from Reykjavík Airport (BIRK), though some regional and positioning flights may use Keflavík.
Weather conditions at Keflavík can be highly dynamic throughout the year. Strong winds, low visibility, icing, turbulence, and rapidly changing cloud bases are common and require careful planning and aircraft handling.
Available Stands
Use of stands
| Area | Stands | Assigned to |
|---|---|---|
| Main Terminal Apron | 1-17 | International passenger operations |
| Terminal Remote East Apron | 71-78 | International passenger operations |
| Terminal Remote West Apron | 40-46 | International passenger operations |
| West Apron | Military Operations | |
| East Apron | Private / Cargo Operations |
Widebody aircraft are commonly assigned to suitable terminal stands or remote stands depending on availability. Remote stand operations are frequent during peak traffic periods.
IFR Clearance
Initial contact is with Clearance Delivery, reporting:
- Callsign
- Stand number
- ATIS identification letter
- Destination
Example: “Keflavík Delivery, ICE6MC stand 12, Airbus A320 with information Bravo, request IFR clearance to London Heathrow.”
Pilots unable to comply with published SIDs due to aircraft or navigation limitations should advise ATC immediately on first contact.
Oceanic clearances for westbound NAT operations are normally obtained prior to departure and pilots should ensure route uplinks and flight plans are verified before pushback.
Push-back
Most terminal stands require pushback procedures due to apron layout constraints.
ATC may issue:
- Straight-back push
- Tail east/west push
- Face north/south push instructions
- TRP (Tug Release Point) instructions
Where a TRP (Tug Release Point) is assigned, aircraft should continue pushback or towing procedures until reaching the instructed release point before disconnecting the tug, unless otherwise instructed by ATC or ground handling personnel.
During high traffic periods, expect delayed push approvals due to limited taxiway availability and crossing traffic.
Pilots should remain on stand until pushback clearance has been received from Ground.
Taxi
Taxi instructions normally include the full taxi route.
Pilots are expected to:
- Read back all hold short instructions
- Exercise caution during low visibility operations
- Monitor for de-icing traffic during winter operations
Intersection departures may be offered during busy periods if operationally suitable.
Heavy jet and long-haul aircraft generally taxi for full-length departures.
Runways
Keflavík International Airport operates two primary runways:
| Runway | Length | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 10/28 | 10,056 ft | Primary arrival/departure runway |
| 01/19 | 10,020 ft | Secondary runway / crosswind operations |
Runway selection depends heavily on:
- Wind conditions
- Crosswind limitations
- Traffic flow
Low visibility procedures (LVP) are frequently used during winter months.
SIDs
Standard Instrument Departures from Keflavík are heavily integrated into Icelandic and North Atlantic airspace structures.
Initial climb altitudes are assigned by ATC and must not be exceeded unless cleared.
Pilots should:
- Verify SID routing before taxi
- Ensure oceanic routes match filed flight plans
- Expect directs when traffic permits
If unable to comply with RNAV procedures, advise ATC for radar vectors or alternative departure instructions.
Important Note When Departing
Keflavík IFR departures are frequently handed over shortly before departure.
Example: ICE6MC, When airborne [contact XXX/monitor UNICOM] on XXX.XX, winds XXX
degrees XX knots, runway XX, cleared for takeoff
Arrival and STARs
Keflavík arrivals frequently involve:
- Oceanic inbound transitions
- RNAV STARs
- Radar vectoring during peak operations
Pilots should preload expected arrivals and transitions before descent.
Do not descend unless explicitly cleared by ATC. Receiving an arrival or STAR clearance does not automatically mean descent is approved.
Due to Icelandic terrain and rapidly changing weather, strict adherence to altitude restrictions is essential.
Direct routings are common when traffic conditions permit.
Approach
Expect ILS approaches during normal operations.
Available approach types include:
| Runway | Approach Types | Frequency | Course |
| 10 | ILS/LOC, RNP, VOR, NDB | 109.50 | 102 |
| 28 | ILS/LOC, RNP, VOR | 108.50 | 282 |
| 01 | ILS/LOC, RNP, VOR | 111.30 | 012 |
| 19 | ILS/LOC, RNP, VOR | 110.30 | 192 |
ILS Categories
Keflavík supports low visibility operations with multiple ILS-equipped runways. The available ILS categories are:
| Runway | ILS Category |
|---|---|
| 01 | CAT I |
| 28 | CAT I |
| 10 | CAT II |
| 19 | CAT II |
Navigation Aids
Keflavík is equipped with several navigation aids used for arrivals, departures, oceanic transitions, and non-precision approaches.
| Navaid | Type | Frequency | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| KFV | VOR/DME | 112.80 | Primary navigation aid for arrivals, departures and approach procedures |
The KFV VOR/DME is located on the airfield and is widely used throughout published SIDs, STARs, approach procedures, and oceanic transition routing within Icelandic airspace.
Pilots should verify correct tuning and identification of the KFV VOR prior to conducting VOR-based procedures.
Low Visibility Procedures (LVP)
LVPs are commonly used during winter operations due to fog, snow, strong winds, and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Visual approaches may be used during good weather conditions.
Strong crosswinds are common at Keflavík and pilots should be prepared for:
- Gusting winds
- Moderate turbulence
- Wind shear
- Rapid runway changes
Unless otherwise instructed, pilots should maintain approach speeds to ensure efficient sequencing.
Direct Routings
In Icelandic airspace, direct routings are extremely common.
Pilots should be prepared for:
- Directs to oceanic entry points
- STAR shortcuts
- Vectoring around weather systems
Keep the waypoint page and flight plan readily available for quick modifications.
Communications
You can always check online positions and sectors by visiting VATSIM Radar
| Callsign | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| BIKF_ATIS | Keflavík ATIS | 128.300 |
| BIKF_DEL | Keflavík Delivery | 121.000 |
| BIKF_GND | Keflavík Ground | 121.900 |
| BIKF_TWR | Keflavík Tower | 118.300 |
| BIKF_APP | Keflavík Approach | 119.300 |
| BIRD_S1_CTR | Reykjavík Control |
119.700 |
Additional frequencies and sector splits may be used during major events or periods of high traffic.
Notes
- Keflavík is a major North Atlantic ETOPS diversion airport.
- De-icing operations are frequent during winter months.
- Volcanic ash advisories may impact operations across Icelandic airspace.
- Strong winds and rapidly changing meteorological conditions are common year-round.
- Pilots should ensure adequate fuel planning for weather diversions and oceanic contingency procedures.