A steering committee has found Hvassahraun to be the most cost-effective site for the domestic airport serving the greater-Reykjavík area, should it be moved from its current spot in Vatnsmýri. The current site of Reykjavík’s domestic airport has for long been a heavily debated topic, with those who would see it gone arguing – among other things – that it occupies a valuable plot of land in downtown Reykjavík that should rather be developed to accommodate the city’s growth.
According to a press release from Reykjavík mayor Dagur B. Eggertsson, the so-called “Ragna Committee” (after its head, former Minister of Justice Ragna Árnadóttir) – a steering committee comprised of representatives from the national government, the capital, and Icelandair Group – have picked Hvassahraun as a most ideal spot for a domestic airport.
Hvassahraun is located in a relatively barren area between Hafnarfjörður and Vogar. At an estimated cost of 22 billion ISK, it is, the committee argues, the most economic location for Reykjavík’s domestic airport, should it be moved. Weather conditions in the area are also considered relatively mild, and response times for ambulances or fire engines would be short.
The airport would also have the added advantage of being located at about the halfway point between Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport, which would reduce travel times people would take between the international airport and destinations farther afield within Iceland.
Icelanders are expected to continue arguing about this for quite a while yet, so don’t hold your breath or anything.
The accompanying photo features Reykjavík Mayor Dagur B. Eggertsson posing with the Ragna Committee on the occasion of them turning in their report.
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