EasyJet has put on sale the only direct scheduled flights between Ireland and Iceland. The new connection will launch from Belfast International Airport on 12th December 2014 and will operate twice per week, throughout the year, to the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik, with fares starting from £31.99 per person.
The route will be operated using a 156-seat A319 and easyJet expects to carry around 30,000 passengers to Reykjavik during the first 12 months.
Tourism in Iceland has increased by 40% over the past two years, helped by the introduction of affordable flights. Belfast will become easyJet’s seventh direct flight to Reykjavik providing easy and affordable access to Iceland’s stunning scenery, views of the northern lights, volcano and whale watching tours, as well as the vibrant nightlife of the capital.
Ali Gayward, easyJet’s Head of Northern Ireland, said: “We are pleased to have introduced Ireland’s only direct link to Iceland, offering a year-round service with a flight time of just over two hours. It is particularly exciting to be introducing such a unique and exciting route to our base at Belfast International and we are confident it will provide a popular addition to easyJet’s network. We believe the breath taking scenery and culture on offer in both Iceland and Ireland will deliver strong tourism benefits for both countries.”
Uel Hoey, Belfast International Airport Business Development Director, said: “The addition of Reykjavik opens up direct channels for Icelandic tourists to visit the entire island of Ireland via Belfast as an entry point, adding welcome revenue to our local economy.
“One of our key priorities is to invest in the provision of new and vital direct access channels from key source markets and the introduction of this new service, the only air link between the island of Ireland and Iceland, is a clear manifestation of this commitment.”
