Niceair, Iceland’s start-up airline, has revealed its first routes from Akureyri (AEY), in the north of the island: London in the UK; Copenhagen in Denmark, and Tenerife in Spain.
The company aims to meet the growing demand for the north of Iceland from both locals and foreign tourists by improving living conditions in the region. To this end, the company secured a 150-passenger Airbus A319, an aircraft that is capable of operating out of Akureyri’s small airport.
«We are very happy to have our own airline at Akureyri Airport. Here in the north, there is a rapidly growing urban community that must have regular inter-country flights to major destinations for people and cargo,» said Hjördís Þórhallsdóttir, airport manager of Akureyri Airport in the announcement.
The company expects to start ticket sales in the next few days through its website, www.niceair.is, to begin operations in June 2022.
«Niceair Foundation follows two years of research work in collaboration with domestic and foreign stakeholders. The company’s intention is to establish regular year-round flights to foreign destinations from Akureyri Airport,» commented Þorvaldur Lúðvík Sigurjónsson, CEO of Niceair.
The United Kingdom and Denmark have been the biggest concentrators of tourists from Iceland. Those are precisely Niceair’s initial destinations, although the surprise was also to have selected the Canary Islands.
But this is in line with the increase in flights between Iceland and Spain recorded in recent months. For the northern summer season, Icelandair, PLAY and Vueling will be present in Alicante (ALC) Barcelona (BCN), Gran Canaria (LPA), Madrid (MAD), Malaga (AGP), Palma de Mallorca (PMI) and Tenerife (TFS).
See also: Icelandair and PLAY to increase flights between Iceland and Spain
About Akureyi
Niceair would greatly enhance Akureyri, a popular destination in Iceland. With outdoor tourism booming, the city offers museums, the world’s northernmost botanical garden, the country’s best ski area, and good hiking trails.
The city is also a good base for many of Iceland’s natural wonders such as waterfalls, volcanic areas, and canyons. It offers activities like rafting, hiking, fishing, whale watching and horseback riding. The city is also the departure point for Grimsey, Iceland’s northernmost island, where visitors can pass the Arctic Circle and discover the area’s birdlife, including the rare Atlantic puffin.
