Jan Mayensfield

(Norwegian: Jan Mayensfield) is an airport on the Norwegian overseas territory of Jan Mayen, located at the only settlement at Olonkinbyen. It serves the military LORAN-C installation and the meteorological station on the island.

The airport is operated by the Norwegian Defence Force. The only planes to the island are eight yearly flights with C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Royal Norwegian Air Force from Bodø Main Air Station.

History

In 1959 NATO decided to build a LORAN navigation transmitter on Jan Mayen, resulting in the construction of a military base on the island, including an airfield. The airstrip opened in 1961, but did not have any solid surface, and still doesn't.

Accidents and incidents

* During the World War II, a German aircraft crashed on the island, which was discovered in 1953 by British geologists.
* In 1991 A C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Royal Norwegian Air Force almost crashed after take off due to Karman wind suddenly shifting. The Karman wind is created in the wake of the Beerenberg volcano, resulting in regular vortex streets and lee-waves. This can cause sudden changed to the wind direction on the island.