Support for Reykjavik Airport location declines significantly, survey shows

A recent survey reveals a decline in public support for the future location of Reykjavik Airport, with only 48% of respondents favoring its placement in Vatnsmýrin. This marks a significant decrease of 24% compared to 11 years ago. Among those in favor, 33.4% expressed strong support, while 14.1% indicated moderate support. Conversely, 24% opposed the airport’s location, with 12.5% strongly opposed and 11% moderately against it.

Looking back, support for the airport’s intended site has notably decreased from 72% in 2013. The percentage of those opposing the location has remained relatively stable since 2018, slightly dipping from 25% to 24%.

Interestingly, there is an increase in the proportion of respondents who identify as neutral regarding their support or opposition to the airport’s location, which has risen to 29% from 21% in the last poll conducted in September 2023. This figure was just 10% in the earliest survey from 2013.

Moreover, support varies by region, with 59% of residents in rural areas favoring the current site compared to only 47% in municipalities close to Reykjavik. Specifically in the capital, 38.1% support it, while 32.3% oppose.

The survey, which included 1,067 participants aged 18 and older from across the country, took place from September 16 to 24, 2024.