easyJet offers flights from Manchester to Akureyri in North Iceland
The British airline easyJet announced today that it will offer flights from both London and Manchester to Akureyri next winter. The announcement follows a successful winter for easyJet, which offered flights from London to Akureyri for the first time. Flights will operate on Saturdays and Tuesdays from Manchester and London.
Considering the nationalities of tourists who have visited Iceland in the past decade, it is evident that Britons are the most numerous during the winter season. This plays a significant role in easyJet's decision to offer direct flights to North Iceland, but the main factor is the destination itself, the airline's confidence in it and the demand for visits here. Additionally, locals have welcomed the opportunity to travel directly to the UK and beyond with numerous connection options at London Gatwick, which will further increase with flights to Manchester.
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"We have a strong destination"
"EasyJet flights from London to Akureyri have been very successful, and soon after they started, we and our partners began working to secure flights to more destinations. It is gratifying that the decision to offer flights from Manchester was made immediately following a good first winter for easyJet here in North Iceland. This proves that we have a strong destination with numerous opportunities for continued development. We must not take it easy now in marketing North Iceland to international markets even when such milestones are achieved. We have seen how well locals have received the available international flights, taking advantage of the opportunity for convenient travel to London or even further connections. The development of international flights at Akureyri Airport is just beginning, and there are great opportunities ahead in more markets such as Denmark, Germany, or France," says Arnheiður Jóhannsdóttir, Managing Director of the North Iceland Marketing Office.
Ali Gayward, easyJet's UK country manager, says this news is very welcome.
"As the only airline offering a direct connection between the UK and Northern Iceland we are delighted to be launching a second route this winter to Akureyri from Manchester Airport, in addition to our existing route from London Gatwick, which will provide travellers in both the UK and Northern Iceland with more choice and connectivity. We are committed to supporting the development of tourism in Iceland and we look forward to welcoming more customers onboard this winter.," says Ali Gayward.
"More opportunities open up"
In recent years, efforts have been made to establish direct international flights through Akureyri and Egilsstaðir as part of the Nature Direct project in cooperation with Visit Iceland, Isavia, Visit North Iceland and Austurbrú. This collaboration and momentum have contributed to easyJet's decision to now fly to Akureyri from two airports in the UK next winter.
"Direct easyJet flights from Manchester are an important addition to travel options to Iceland. The flight directly supports the government's policy of balancing tourist arrivals across all regions and seasons. This is the backbone of all tourism marketing efforts. The UK is the second-largest market for trips to Iceland and a crucial winter market. Here, broader gateways and more opportunities open up that we will utilize. A positive side effect is that the flight will enhance the quality of life for North Iceland football fans, which is something to celebrate," says Pétur Þorsteinn Óskarsson, Managing Director of Visit Iceland.
"It's excellent news that easyJet intends not only to continue flying between Akureyri and London next winter but also to add Manchester as a destination," says Sigrún Björk Jakobsdóttir, CEO of Isavia Regional Airports. "We have had great success in welcoming easyJet flights to Akureyri Airport last winter, and now, with the terminal expansion nearing completion, it will be delightful to welcome the airline's flights from both London and Manchester next winter."