Þórshöfn Airport (THO)

Þórshöfn Airport (IATA: THO, ICAO: BITN) is a small regional airport that serves as a vital transportation link for the community of Þórshöfn and the remote Langanes peninsula in Northeast Iceland. Its primary role is to provide reliable, year-round access for residents, essential services, mail, and a small number of visitors, connecting the isolated region to Iceland's main domestic air network. The airport's significance lies in its function as a lifeline, particularly during winter months when road travel can be challenging. Established to provide scheduled services around 1954, it replaced a more primitive airstrip and has been crucial for the area's social and economic stability ever since.

The airport is conveniently situated approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) east of the village of Þórshöfn, directly accessible via the main regional road, Langanesvegur (Route 869). Travel between the village and the airport is typically by private car or a pre-arranged taxi. Given the small scale of local operations, there are no scheduled airport shuttles or public bus services that stop at the terminal. The drive is short, taking less than ten minutes in clear conditions.

Operations at Þórshöfn Airport are exclusively domestic. The sole scheduled airline is Norlandair, which operates public service obligation (PSO) flights. These flights typically follow a triangular route connecting Þórshöfn with Akureyri (AEY), Iceland's northern hub, and the neighboring village of Vopnafjörður (VPN). The airport also accommodates air ambulance services, charter flights, and private aircraft. Passenger volume is modest, reflecting its non-touristic, community-focused purpose, with annual numbers typically in the low thousands.

The facility consists of a single, small terminal building designed for functionality. Amenities for travelers are very basic, including a compact waiting area and public restrooms. There are no restaurants, cafes, shops, or car rental agencies located within the terminal building itself. For travelers, it is practical to arrive approximately 45 to 60 minutes prior to departure, as check-in and security procedures are swift. All ground transportation, including taxis or private pickups, must be arranged in advance of your arrival or departure. Any car rentals must be organized with providers based in the village. Connections to other domestic or international destinations are made primarily through Akureyri Airport.