⚠️ Reference & Statistical Notice: Data presented on RunwayFacts is compiled from public domain aviation registries for technical comparison and research. Not for flight planning or real-time operational aviation use.
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Data source: OurAirports (2026-09-01 Snapshot) · Methodology & Verification →

Keflavik International Airport

Reykjavík, Southern Peninsula (Iceland)
IATA: KEF ICAO: BIKF
Longest Active Runway
10,056 ft
3,065 meters
Field Elevation
171 ft
52 m MSL
Runway Inventory
2 active
Lighted / Paved
Coordinates & Class
63.9850°, -22.6056°
LARGE AIRPORT
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Multi-Universe Rankings & Statistical Standing

Ranking Universes Guide →
RunwayFacts Published Dataset
#535 of 650
In curated primary commercial index
Global Commercial Universe
#873 of 7558
Top 11.5% percentile worldwide
National Standing (Iceland)
#1 in IS
#1 of 24 in full national registry
vs Large Airport Median
+0.6%
Compared to 10,000 ft baseline
💡 Statistical Statement: Keflavik International Airport's longest active runway measures 10,056 ft (3,065 m). Within RunwayFacts' published index of 650 aerodromes, it ranks #535. Across the broader global dataset of 7558 commercial facilities, it ranks #873 worldwide (Top 11.5%) and #1 nationally in Iceland.
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Editorial Aerodrome Deep Dive: Keflavik International Airport (KEF)

Curated Aerodrome Profile

Keflavík International Airport is the transatlantic connection fortress of the North Atlantic. Perched on the windswept Reykjanes peninsula at 171 ft MSL, KEF's four runway directions provide complete crosswind resilience against fierce Atlantic low-pressure storms. Both 10,000 ft runways easily handle widebody flights connecting North America and Europe, supported by advanced snow-clearing fleets and volcanic ash monitoring.

Runway Layout & Magnetic Alignments
Dual intersecting runway pairs: 01/19 (10,020 ft / 3,054 m) and 10/28 (10,056 ft / 3,065 m).
Expansion Milestones & Predecessor Facilities
Built during WWII by the United States military as Meeks Field; served as Naval Air Station Keflavik during the Cold War. Expanded through the Leifur Eiríksson Air Terminal to anchor Icelandair's transatlantic hub.
Regional Differentiation & Cluster Role
Primary international gateway for Iceland, located 27 NM southwest of domestic-only capital airport Reykjavík (RKV).
Data Nuances & Operational Quirks
Experiences some of the most violent North Atlantic storm crosswinds in commercial aviation; the perpendicular runway pairs ensure aircraft can land into the wind regardless of gale direction.
📚 Official Aerodrome Sourcing: Iceland National Civil Aviation Authority · State Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) & ICAO Annex 14 Standards
Verification Methodology →

🔬 Operational & Aerodrome Engineering Comparative Analysis

Comparative aviation metrics evaluated against regional and global physical operational criteria.
ICAO Code 4D / 4E Heavy Intercontinental
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Elevation & Atmospheric Density

Lowland / Coastal Basin Aerodrome

Keflavik International Airport operates at a surveyed field elevation of 171 ft (52 m MSL) in Reykjavík. Situated in low-lying coastal terrain, the aerodrome benefits from dense ambient atmospheric pressure, maximizing turbine engine thrust and wing lift efficiency across all departure vectors.

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Regional Density & Alternates (100 NM)

0 Qualifying Aerodromes in Vicinity

Primary international gateway for Iceland, located 27 NM southwest of domestic-only capital airport Reykjavík (RKV). The facility operates as an isolated regional aviation anchor with no other major paved commercial aerodromes within 100 NM.

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Fleet Compatibility & Ground Roll

Primary Runway: 10,056 ft (3,065 m)

Keflavik International Airport's active flight strips comprise 10/28 (10,056 ft), 01/19 (10,020 ft). With a longest active threshold of 10,056 ft (3,065 m), the primary runway accommodates transcontinental twin-engine widebodies and long-range narrowbody airliners at standard operational weights.

🛫 Physical Runway Inventory & Surface Engineering

Runway Designator Length (ft / m) Width (ft / m) Surface Material Lighting Status
10/28 10,056 ft (3065m) 197 ft (60m) Asphalt (ASP) ✅ Lighted ✅ Active
01/19 10,020 ft (3054m) 197 ft (60m) Asphalt (ASP) ✅ Lighted ✅ Active

🛡️ Data Provenance & Verification Metadata

Source Dataset: OurAirports Open Aviation Database
Snapshot Version: 2026-09-01
Dataset Integrity: Cryptographic SHA-256 Checksum Verified & Fail-Closed Schema Inspected
Source Verification: Source-reported registry data
Read Complete Methodology & Verification Protocol → GET /api/airport/kef.json ↗