Finance Minister Jóhannsson rules out airport investment in Hvassahraun due to natural hazards

The Minister of Finance, Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson, has stated that the government will not invest in the construction of an airport in Hvassahraun due to potential natural hazards in the area. A recent report from a working group under the Ministry of Infrastructure suggested reserving Hvassahraun for a possible airport that could replace the existing Reykjavík Airport. However, further risk assessments are required before any decisions are made.

Jóhannsson emphasized that, despite Hvassahraun not being the worst location for a new airport, it is unjustifiable to allocate funds there, particularly considering the volcanic activity in the Reykjanes Peninsula region. “Who would be willing to invest in such a project when we currently have an alternative airport?” he questioned.

The minister noted upcoming changes in air travel alongside energy transitions, which may alter the conditions for domestic airports. “We are likely to see electric planes for domestic flights in the coming years, which would be silent and produce no fossil fuel pollution, potentially even shorter runways,” he added.

He expressed his support for the working group’s report, stating it addressed key issues regarding the airport site in Hvassahraun. However, he pointed out that the report does not solve the problem of finding an optimal location for an airport. He conveyed skepticism about investments in infrastructure in regions prone to significant geological activity, asserting, “I would not invest my own money or public funds in such a project under these circumstances.”