EasyJet has flown into northern Iceland for the first time after almost a decade of planning.
The budget carrier is operating two flights a week to Akureyri from Gatwick.
EasyJet is the first foreign airline to operate scheduled international flights to Akureyri, where a new airport terminal is due for completion this year.
Tourism chiefs have discussed the route with the airline since 2014 with EasyJet representatives visiting the airports in both Egilsstaðir and Akureyri and explored the regions and tourism opportunities in 205 and 2017.
The global pandemic halted plans but the airline officially announced in the spring that Akureyri would be a destination for this winter.
Visit North Iceland chief executive Arnheiður Jóhannsdóttir pointed out that the flights will help to balance the contrast between summer and winter in tourism as most tourists visit in summer.
“These flights and arrivals from the UK will encourage investment in winter tourism, which will, in turn, help to create more year-round jobs,” she said.
“The passengers of easyJet will travel with agents from the UK and North Iceland, buying ready-made packages, but they will also be on self-drive journeys. This creates excellent opportunities for tourism in North Iceland.
“We have worked on the arrival of easyJet for an extended period, in good co-operation with the local tourism companies, municipalities and government. Today, we celebrate this milestone, showcasing how vital collaboration can be when everyone aims for the same objective.“
EasyJet UK country manager Ali Gayward added: “We are delighted to be launching a brand new route to Akureyri in Iceland and becoming the only UK airline to operate flights to the destination providing even more choice and variety for our customers this winter to this unique route from the UK.
“Our new route provides customers the opportunity to explore something different; with experiences ranging from relaxing geothermal spa visits to thrilling super jeep tours, whale watching or northern lights hunting.”