Icelandic report confirms no meteorological barriers to proposed airport in Hvassahraun

A report on the potential development of an airport in Hvassahraun reveals no meteorological obstacles to advancing preparations for its construction. The findings were presented at a press conference today.

The Icelandic Ministry of Infrastructure commissioned a task force in June 2020 to explore the feasibility of constructing a new airport in Hvassahraun. The objective is to establish an airport that could serve as an emergency landing site, a domestic airport, and a facility for training, practice, and private flights.

According to the report, measurements indicate that there are no weather conditions that would prevent the airport’s construction. The climate at Hvassahraun would be similar to that of Reykjavik Airport but better than Keflavik Airport for visual flight operations. Additionally, wind or turbulence limitations are not found to be more significant in Hvassahraun compared to other airports in the southwest region. Visibility and cloud height measurements also show comparable limitations to other airfields.

While volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula could potentially impact the decisions regarding the airport’s location and design, most of the identified site is outside established volcanic systems. Overall, the site for the possible airport is not at risk from lava flows from small eruptions on the peninsula. However, parts of the site could be affected by eruptions in the Krísuvík area.

The report concludes that seismic activity or gas pollution would likely have no significant impact on the airport’s construction or operation, with ash fall expected to cause only short-term effects. The relocation of the domestic flight hub to Hvassahraun is thought to have minimal impact on the usage and demand for domestic flights, as well as training and private flying activities.