The first direct scheduled flight between Reykjavík and Húsavík in northeast Iceland, the country’s proclaimed whale watching capital, in 12 years took place yesterday with Eagle Air. There will be seven flights four days a week and a year-round schedule is hoped for.

Húsavík. Photo by Páll Stefánsson.

A celebration was held in Húsavík to welcome the first flight, attended by approximately 300 locals. The first passengers included Minister of the Interior Ögmundur Jónasson, the ministry’s undersecretary Ragnhildur Hjaltadóttir and MP Kristján L. Möller, Morgunblaðið reports.

“Inhabitants are very pleased,” commented Jón Helgi Björnsson, chair of the district council Norðurþing. “It shortens the travel time to Reykjavík; now people no longer have to drive to Akureyri but can jump onboard a plane right outside their front door.”

He added that traveling to Akureyri can be expensive; it costs around ISK 7,000 (USD 55, EUR 42) to take the bus. Bookings are reported to be off to a good start.

ESA