WOW could create new hub outside of Iceland
Skuli Mogensen.
Icelandic low-cost airline WOW air will not hesitate to move part of its operations out of Iceland if Keflavík International Airport (KEF) cannot keep up with the airline’s plans for expansion.
CEO Skúli Mogensen estimates, on the basis of expected growth for WOW air and other airlines using KEF, that total passengers numbers for the airport could be at least 8 million by 2017. However, plans to expand the airport are not expected to enable a capacity of 8 million until 2022-27.
“We clearly cannot allow the situation in Iceland to hamper the airline’s future growth and we are very seriously considering a new hub outside of Iceland to run in parallel with our operations here,” Mogensen told Air Transport World and Icelandic tourism and travel news website turisti.is (link in Icelandic).
Mogensen points out that the airline could hit trouble at KEF as early as next year, as it plans to increase passenger numbers from 750,000 to 1.5 million.
“It is extremely important to review the plans [for expanding KEF] as soon as possible, so work can begin on creating capacity for all these extra passengers,” says Mogensen.
“Otherwise Icelandic tourism and the State could lose tens, if not hundreds, of billions of ISK (Icelandic Króna) per year over the next 5-6 years,” he warns.
Artist's impression of KEF airport with all planned work complete. Photo: Isavia
