Reykjavik, 27 October 2014 – easyJet, the UK and London Gatwick’s largest airline has today inaugurated two new routes from Reykjavik to London Gatwick and Geneva. The Gatwick service will be operated thrice weekly, with Geneva flights taking place twice a week - both routes will operate year round. From next winter easyJet will become the second largest carrier to and from Reykjavik.
Flights EZS 1521 and EZY 8507 arrived on time evening carrying 154 passengers from Geneva and 178 from Gatwick, the latter Captained by Icelandic national, David Asgeirsson who was later joined by British Ambassador to Iceland, Stuart Gill to attend a short reception and ribbon cutting ceremony.
The new routes linking the three capitals bring the number of routes easyJet offer to and from Reykjavik to seven, with an eighth set to operate to and from Belfast in December. From then, the airline will operate 26 times a week and carry in excess of 200,000 passengers per year to and from Reykjavik. Tourism in Iceland has increased by 40% over the last two years, helped by the introduction of affordable flights.
asyJet, a key partner of the local tourism industry and economy, expects to carry 75,000 passengers between the two capital cities in the 12 rolling months of operation, participating to the Icelandic economy.
Ali Gayward, Head of Iceland for easyJet, commented: “We are delighted to launch the first flights between Reykjavik-London Gatwick and Geneva today. Expanding our operations between these capital’s shows our commitment to make travel easy and affordable for business and leisure travellers in Iceland.
“There is a growing demand for short and long breaks in Iceland, but also a need to connect the capital’s business centres for business passengers. Making it convenient and affordable to reach both sides of the route will provide value for British and Icelandic consumers.”
Captain David Asgeirsson, commented: “With these connections easyJet has made it easy to do business between London and Geneva and for leisure travellers, Iceland’s stunning scenery, views of the northern lights, volcanos, and the vibrant nightlife of the capital mean that Reykjavik continues to be in demand for our passengers.
“I am very proud that I am able to operate the first flight from London Gatwick to Reykjavik. easyJet is helping to support and strengthen the economy in Iceland and it’s great to play a part in that.”
