Grímsey Airport (GRY)

Grímsey Airport (IATA: GRY, ICAO: BIGR) is the sole aviation gateway to Grímsey, a remote Icelandic island located 40 kilometers off the country's northern coast. As the island's only point of entry on the Arctic Circle, the airport serves as a critical lifeline for its small resident population and a key access point for tourists. It provides essential transport for mail, supplies, and medical services, ensuring a reliable year-round connection to the mainland when sea travel is hampered by weather.

The airport was established in the 1950s with a gravel runway, fundamentally improving the island's accessibility. A significant upgrade occurred in 1996 when the runway was paved, allowing for more dependable operations. Its primary significance is in overcoming the isolation imposed by the challenging North Atlantic conditions, supporting both the local community's viability and the unique tourism industry centered on crossing the Arctic Circle.

Situated on the southern end of the island, Grímsey Airport is located immediately adjacent to the main settlement of Sandvík. Due to the island's compact size—just over five square kilometers—the airport is easily reached on foot from any point in the village, including guesthouses and the ferry dock. The walk from the community center to the terminal typically takes less than ten minutes, and no ground transportation is necessary.

Operations at Grímsey Airport are exclusively domestic. The airport facilitates scheduled passenger flights to and from Akureyri Airport (AEY) on the Icelandic mainland. This route is operated by the airline Norlandair using small turboprop aircraft, with flights running multiple times per week, though schedules can vary seasonally. In addition to scheduled services, the airport accommodates charter flights and is equipped to handle emergency air ambulance services.

The facilities are minimal and functional, tailored to the airport's small scale. The single terminal building provides a basic heated waiting area and public restrooms. There are no shops, restaurants, cafes, or car rental agencies at the airport. Travelers are advised to bring their own refreshments and make any necessary arrangements before arriving.

For those traveling to Grímsey, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 30 to 45 minutes prior to their scheduled departure. Flight timings can be affected by weather, so confirming the schedule with the airline on the day of travel is prudent. Upon landing, visitors can simply walk to their destination on the island. For onward travel from Akureyri, ensure adequate connection time is factored into your itinerary.