List of Airports in Faroe Islands
As of 2024, there are 1 airports throughout the country of Faroe Islands according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Faroe Islands are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Faroe Islands
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagar Airport | FAE | Faroe Islands | Small |
Major Airports in Faroe Islands
1. Vágar Airport (FAE)
Airport Code: FAE
Time Zone: Western European Time (WET) / Western European Summer Time (WEST)
Address: Vágar Island, Faroe Islands
Nearby Cities:
- Sørvágur – 1 mile
- Miðvágur – 2 miles
- Tórshavn – 31 miles
- Klaksvík – 51 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Atlantic Airways
- SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
- Norwegian Air Shuttle
- Air France
- Widerøe
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 300,000 passengers annually (pre-2020 data)
Airport Location and History
Vágar Airport is the primary international gateway to the Faroe Islands, located on the island of Vágar, which is the third-largest island in the archipelago. The airport is situated about 31 miles (50 kilometers) west of Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, and serves as the main hub for both domestic and international flights. Vágar Airport opened in 1963 and has undergone several expansions to accommodate the growing demand for air travel, particularly with the rise of tourism to the Faroe Islands.
Over the years, Vágar Airport has become a key transport hub for the islands, with several airlines offering connections to destinations in Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and other European cities. The airport is also the base of the national carrier, Atlantic Airways, which connects the Faroe Islands with neighboring countries and offers charter services to other parts of Europe. Due to its strategic location, Vágar Airport is crucial for both tourism and business travel, supporting industries such as fishing, which is a key component of the Faroese economy.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Vágar Airport has one terminal and a single runway: Runway 12/30, which is 1,799 meters (5,902 feet) long. This runway is capable of handling smaller and medium-sized aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, but it is not designed to accommodate large, wide-body jets like the Boeing 747 or Airbus A380. The airport can handle regional and international flights, primarily to neighboring countries in Scandinavia and the UK.
The airport’s terminal offers essential services, including check-in counters, duty-free shops, restaurants, and car rental services. Despite its small size, the airport is well-equipped for passenger comfort, providing modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and lounges for travelers. Ground transportation options include taxis and shuttle services connecting passengers to Tórshavn and other parts of the island. Vágar Airport is an important infrastructure asset for the Faroe Islands and continues to play a key role in connecting the islands to the rest of the world.
2. Tórshavn Airport (Havnar floghavn) (not commercial)
Airport Code: Not applicable for commercial flights
Time Zone: Western European Time (WET) / Western European Summer Time (WEST)
Address: Tórshavn, Streymoy Island, Faroe Islands
Nearby Cities:
- Tórshavn – 0 miles (located in the capital city)
- Kirkjubøur – 4 miles
- Velbastaður – 7 miles
- Hvalvík – 12 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- This airport does not serve commercial flights but is used for general aviation and private flights.
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Not applicable (general aviation use)
Airport Location and History
Tórshavn Airport is located in the capital city, Tórshavn, on the island of Streymoy. The airport is used primarily for general aviation purposes, such as small private flights, medical emergencies, and governmental flights. It is not a commercial airport and does not have scheduled airline services. While the airport is an important part of the Faroese infrastructure, it serves a limited function compared to Vágar Airport, the main international hub.
Tórshavn is the cultural and economic heart of the Faroe Islands, and the airport’s primary role is to support non-commercial aviation activities. Given the capital’s central location on Streymoy Island, the airport plays a role in connecting various parts of the islands for small-scale transport. Despite its size and function, the airport provides critical services in support of emergency response, private sector needs, and the local government.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Tórshavn Airport is a small facility with limited infrastructure. It has a single runway: Runway 13/31, which is 1,100 meters (3,609 feet) long. The runway is suitable for small aircraft, such as light general aviation planes, but it is not designed for commercial passenger jets.
The terminal is very basic and typically includes only the essential amenities for private and governmental use. Ground transportation is available through taxis and private car services, but there is no regular shuttle service to other parts of the island. The airport’s location within the capital provides convenient access to Tórshavn’s city center, and it supports essential services such as helicopter transportation and emergency flights.
3. Klaksvík Airport (not commercial)
Airport Code: Not applicable for commercial flights
Time Zone: Western European Time (WET) / Western European Summer Time (WEST)
Address: Klaksvík, Borðoy Island, Faroe Islands
Nearby Cities:
- Klaksvík – 0 miles
- Norðdepli – 3 miles
- Ánir – 5 miles
- Viðareiði – 13 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- This airport does not serve commercial flights but is used for general aviation and emergency services.
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Not applicable (general aviation use)
Airport Location and History
Klaksvík Airport is located on Borðoy Island, the second-largest island in the Faroe Islands, and is mainly used for general aviation purposes. It is not a commercial airport and does not provide scheduled flights to other parts of the islands or abroad. The airport serves as a base for helicopters, small aircraft, and emergency flights, playing an important role in the region’s aviation infrastructure.
Klaksvík is the second-largest city in the Faroe Islands and is located in the northern part of the archipelago. Although Klaksvík is an important hub for the fishing industry, which forms a significant part of the Faroese economy, the airport’s limited infrastructure restricts its ability to handle commercial air traffic. Nonetheless, it serves as a critical access point for private and emergency aviation needs in the northern part of the country.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Klaksvík Airport has a small runway, Runway 10/28, which is 900 meters (2,953 feet) long. This runway is suitable only for small general aviation aircraft, such as light planes and helicopters, and is not capable of handling commercial airliners. Given its primary function for private and emergency flights, the airport lacks the extensive facilities found in commercial airports.
The airport features basic amenities such as a small terminal for passengers, but there are no dedicated services like duty-free shops or restaurants. Ground transportation is limited, but taxis and private car services are available to connect passengers to Klaksvík and other nearby towns. While the airport is not a major travel hub, it plays an essential role in connecting the northern islands with emergency and government services.
4. Sumburgh Airport (Sumburgh, Shetland Islands, UK – Closest commercial international link)
Airport Code: Sumburgh (Shetland)
Time Zone: Western European Time (WET)
Address: Sumburgh, Shetland Islands, UK
Nearby Cities:
- Lerwick – 20 miles (Shetland Islands)
- Whalsay – 10 miles
- Bressay – 12 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Flybe
- Loganair
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 200,000 passengers annually
Airport Location and History
Sumburgh Airport, located in the Shetland Islands (UK), is the closest major airport providing international flights to the Faroe Islands region. Although it is not located within the Faroe Islands, it serves as an important gateway for travelers heading to the Faroes from the UK and other international destinations. The airport is located 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Lerwick, the largest town in the Shetlands.
Originally opened in the early 20th century, Sumburgh was upgraded during World War II for military purposes. Today, it serves both domestic flights to the Scottish mainland and international flights to Scandinavia and Europe. Sumburgh is well-connected with the surrounding islands, including regular flights to and from major airports in mainland Scotland and beyond, making it a vital regional transport hub.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Sumburgh Airport has one terminal and a single runway: Runway 08/26, which is 1,460 meters (4,790 feet) long. While it is capable of handling small to medium-sized commercial jets such as the Boeing 737 or Embraer regional aircraft, it does not have the capacity to handle wide-body jets. It is mainly used for domestic flights within the UK, with limited international connections.
The airport terminal offers a variety of services, including check-in counters, a café, and duty-free shopping. Ground transportation is available through taxis, buses, and private car services, providing access to Lerwick and surrounding towns in the Shetland Islands. The airport’s role in connecting the Faroe Islands to the UK and Scandinavia makes it a crucial link for travelers heading to the Faroes.
