Niceair is an Icelandic startup established in Akureyri, North Iceland. The carrier will initially offer flights to the UK, Denmark and Spain from Akureyri Airport. Tickets will be on sale in the coming weeks after Niceair announces its destinations, with a launch date of June 2nd, 2022.

A North Iceland startup

Niceair has been set up in response to a growing local market in Northern Iceland. Established in Akureyri, known as the 'Capital of North Iceland,' the airline came about after two years of talks between local and foreign parties.

A launch date of June 2nd has been penned in, with destinations in the UK, Denmark and Spain on the cards. Niceair hasn't revealed which airports it will fly to but plans to make an announcement in the next few weeks.

niceair website
The airline plans to announce its routes in the coming weeks. Photo: Niceair

According to Niceair Managing Director Þorvaldur Lúðvík Sigurjónsson,

"The company’s goal is to secure scheduled flights year-round to foreign destinations from Akureyri Airport. That will simultaneously improve the quality of life for residents in the area, improve the access of foreign tourists to North Iceland, and last, but not least, greatly improve the competitiveness of companies in the area."

The airline said it has secured one 150-seater Airbus A319 aircraft, which will be suited to both passenger and cargo operations. Its air operator license will be under an unnamed European carrier for the time being.

Unique selling points

The airline's main selling point will be its connectivity to the thriving tourism region of North Iceland. The main airport serving the region, Akureyri Airport, primarily handles domestic flights with the odd international charter.

Niceair can bring foreign tourists into North Iceland without the need for a lengthy transfer at Reykjavík. Currently, international travelers arriving into Reykjavík have to switch airports from Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport, the city's international airport, to Reykjavík Airport, the city's domestic airport, if they want to fly up to North Iceland.

Airbus a319
Niceair will initially operate with an Airbus A319. Photo: Pedro Aragao via Wikimedia Commons.

Additionally, Niceair's booking system will be linked to Dohop, the Icelandic interlining platform. This will make it easier for passengers to book connecting flights around Europe.

Hjördís Þórhallsdóttir, airport manager of Akureyri Airport, said,

"We are extremely pleased to have our own airline at Akureyri Airport. Here in the north, there is a rapidly growing urban community that must have scheduled flights."

Investors from around Iceland

The airline has numerous financial backers from around Northern Iceland, with each investor owning no more than 8% of the carrier. Notable shareholders include KEA, Höldur, Kaldbakur, Norlandair, Armar, Ferðaskrifstofa Akureyrar, Norðurböð, and the brewery Kaldi.

niceair managing director
Þorvaldur Lúðvík Sigurjónsson, Managing Director of Niceair. Photo: Niceair

Sigurjónsson added,

"No shareholder is noticeably large and no one is over 8%. In the coming months, the public and other companies will be invited to acquire a share in the company."

Around 20 jobs will be created in Akureyri to support the airline. Crew members will come from both Icelandic and foreign backgrounds, with training to be conducted in Iceland and abroad.

What are your thoughts on Niceair? Do you think there is enough demand for a North Iceland airline? Let us know your insights in the comments.