Gebr. Heinemann awarded Keflavik International Airport duty-free concession by Isavia

ICELAND. Icelandic airports operator Isavia has awarded the Keflavik International Airport duty-free contract to Gebr. Heinemann. The German travel retailer beat off three other bids to capture the concession, building on its strong airport presence in the Nordic countries.

From Spring this year, it will operate a departures duty-free shop (1,700sq m), an arrivals duty-free shop (2,280sq m), plus a gate duty-free store.

Isavia said Gebr. Heinemann’s offer for Iceland’s number one travel hub was chosen based on predetermined selection criteria. The operator noted emphasis was placed on “ensuring that passengers at Keflavik Airport feel they are in Iceland when passing through the duty-free stores”.

This, it said, is evident not only from Gebr. Heinemann’s proposed design for the duty-free shops, but also from the range of products that will be on sale – the retailer has pledged that 30 per cent of the assortment will have Icelandic origins.

Gebr. Heinemann Director Business Development Sales Nico Reifkogel said: “The tendering process carried out by the airport operator was extremely professional and transparent, which enabled us to develop a tailor-made offer. An important part of our offer was also to show that there is a high cultural fit. We are very pleased that we were able to convince Isavia with our concept.”

Gebr. Heinemann Sales Director Nordics Jens Wolf commented: “We are very happy about being awarded and are looking forward to providing travellers from and to Iceland with a great modern duty-free offer. A strong regional Icelandic sense was a key requirement which will play a key role in the future shopping experience, among others with a comprehensive assortment of products from local brands.

“This will be complemented by a great selection of international brands across all product categories. We always aim to serve the needs of all travellers, those who are looking for a great special offer as well as those who are looking for something special. For now our focus is on collaborating closely with all stakeholders involved to realise our plans.”

Keflavik International Airport Chief Commercial & Airport Development Officer Guðmundur Daði Rúnarsson said: “I look forward to our collaboration. This is a strong company with extensive and excellent experience in operating duty-free stores worldwide. We are confident that Heinemann will greet travellers with warmth, a diverse selection of products, and robust service.”

He added that the goal of the tender, first and exclusively highlighted by The Moodie Davitt Report in August 2023, was to partner with a company experienced in running duty-free operations.

“This process was designed to ensure benefits beyond the current set up,” Rúnarsson continued. “This change will bring advantages for passengers, the airport and the community. We are significantly increasing the airport’s revenue. This will allow us to further develop Keflavik Airport and create more opportunities to add flight connections.

“ACI Europe has pointed out that a +10% increase in direct flight connections boosts economic growth by +0.5% in the respective country. That is a benefit for Icelanders.”