Mace signs deal to lead Major Development Plan for Keflavik International Airport

At a recent signing ceremony attended by the British Ambassador to Iceland, Iceland’s airport operator and air navigation services provider, Isavia, appointed international construction and consultancy company, Mace, as Programme Manager for the Keflavik International Airport Major Development Plan (MDP).  

Keflavik Airport is Iceland’s largest airport, with nearly ten million passengers passing through last year. The MDP is a major component of Isavia’s plans to see Keflavik Airport become the major North Atlantic Hub for air traffic, which will boost the airport’s value as an engine for economic growth in Iceland. 

As Isavia’s Programme Manager, Mace brings a wealth of experience in delivering major programmes at airports across the globe, including at Heathrow, Dublin, Manchester, Schiphol, Doha, Mumbai and Sydney.

Mace’s team of aviation specialists will deliver the MDP in multiple phases, across a decade long period. The MDP is a multi-year terminal area development programme designed to provide additional passenger processing and aircraft parking capacity, along with passenger convenience and operational enhancements throughout related landside and airside areas.

The current MDP, based on the Keflavik Airport Masterplan, is based on the provision of a new 85,000m², 17 airbridge-served aircraft gate East Pier, a new North Terminal and other associated works, all of which will enable Keflavik Airport’s capacity to grow to more than 14.5 million passengers a year. 

Mace’s team will work with Icelandic engineering specialists, Verkis, to oversee and deliver the MDP. This partnership will see Mace’s international consultancy experience boosted by Verkis’ local knowledge and technical capabilities. 

In addition to enabling significant operational improvements, the MDP will realise a host of social and environmental benefits, including the creation of jobs for local people and a positive move towards becoming one of the world’s most sustainable airport. 

Jason Millett, Chief Operating Officer for Consultancy at Mace:

“I am delighted with our appointment to lead on the programme management of Keflavik Airport’s Major Development Plan; it’s a landmark win that serves as evidence of our ever-growing aviation offering. It allows us to be part of a truly transformative programme, where we can use our expertise from around the world to work with Isavia and create an airport that supports growth and opportunity across Iceland.”  

Carl Dainter, Head of Global Aviation at Mace:

“Our appointment to the Keflavik MDP is a significant step towards achieving our stable and sustainable growth targets in the aviation sector. The scope, scale and complexity of the programme, combined with a clear alignment to Isavia’s values and ways of working, makes this an incredibly exciting commission for us.” 

Michael Nevin, British Ambassador to Iceland for her Majesty’s Government: 

“The appointment of Mace as Programme Manager for the Keflavik MDP is a fantastic example of UK-Icelandic collaboration and expertise sharing. Open tenders like this enable Iceland to draw on the world-renowned expertise of UK companies, including delivery of sustainable airport solutions and value-for-money. I am sure that Mace’s know-how and experience will be of great benefit to the development of Keflavik Airport as a transport hub.”  

Guðmundur Daði Rúnarsson, Technical and Infrastructure Director for Keflavik Airport at Isavia, said:

“Following an extensive and advanced procurement process we are certain that we have secured a great delivery partner for the upcoming development of Keflavik International Airport. After working on major airport related projects all over the world Mace brings experience and professionalism which is vital for successful delivery of complex airport projects. We look forward for a fruitful partnership for many years to come.”