Imagine planning an expedition to Iceland’s remote Westfjords region, with Patreksfjörður as one of your key destinations. Accurate information about local airports becomes critical for seamless travel. This article analyzes Patreksfjordur Airport (Patreksfjörður Flugvöllur) through a data lens, providing essential insights and practical guidance for itinerary planning.
Airport Overview: Location and Identification Codes
Serving the town of Patreksfjörður in Iceland’s Westfjords, Patreksfjordur Airport operates with two unique identifier codes crucial for global aviation systems:
- IATA code (International Air Transport Association): PFJ
- ICAO code (International Civil Aviation Organization): BIPA
The three-letter IATA code appears on passenger tickets and baggage tags for airline operations, while the four-letter ICAO code serves aviation professionals for flight planning and air traffic control. These codes prevent confusion when checking flight schedules.
The airport's precise geographical coordinates are:
- Latitude: 65° 33' 20.89" N
- Longitude: 23° 57' 54.00" W
Decoding Aviation Identifiers: IATA vs. ICAO
Understanding these code systems reveals their distinct roles in global aviation:
- IATA: An airline trade association that standardizes commercial operations. Its three-letter codes facilitate passenger services like ticketing and baggage handling.
- ICAO: A United Nations agency establishing safety protocols. Four-letter ICAO codes enable technical operations including flight routing and airspace management.
Practical Applications: Utilizing Airport Codes
These identifiers serve multiple travel needs:
- Flight bookings: Input PFJ when searching routes to Patreksfjörður
- Flight tracking: Monitor arrivals/departures using real-time aviation platforms
- Baggage recovery: Reference PFJ for lost luggage claims
- Aviation navigation: Pilots file flight plans with BIPA
Operational Considerations at PFJ
This regional airport presents unique operational characteristics:
- Runway constraints: Limited length restricts aircraft size, typically accommodating smaller turboprops
- Meteorological challenges: The Westfjords' volatile weather frequently causes disruptions
- Navigation systems: Basic instrumentation requires pilot proficiency in visual approaches
Westfjords Travel Highlights
Beyond airport logistics, Patreksfjörður offers exceptional experiences:
- Dynjandi waterfall: Iceland's iconic multi-tiered cascade
- Coastal hiking trails: Dramatic fjord landscapes with Arctic flora
- Birdwatching: Puffin colonies and migratory seabirds
- Cultural heritage: Historic fishing villages and Viking-era sites
By analyzing Patreksfjordur Airport's codes, location specifics, operational parameters, and regional attractions, travelers can optimize their Westfjords itinerary. Data-informed preparation enhances both travel efficiency and safety in this extraordinary Arctic destination.