The Ministry of Transport and Local Government has contracted Icelandair to provide a minimal number of flights between Iceland and North America and Europe. Per a press release published on the government’s website on Thursday, flights will be available to Iceland from Boston, London, and Stockholm until May 5.
“International flights play a vital role in the security of the Icelandic nation and these flights are, among other things, necessary to ensure that Icelandic citizens who are located abroad can find their way home,” reads the statement.
All total, 16 roundtrip flights (32 legs) are planned to/from the three destinations. The flight plan is subject to change, but is currently as follows:
Boston (Logan International – BOS) April 16, 18, 23, 25, 30; May 2
London (Heathrow – LHR) April 19, 22, 24, 26, 29; May 1 and 3
Stockholm (Arlanda – ARN) April 18 and 25; May 2
The Icelandic government will pay Icelandair a max of ISK 100 million [€639,624; $692,233] to fund the company’s extended operations, although that amount may be offset by revenue that the company generates from the offered flights.
Typically, the government would accept bids from contractors for providing a public service of this nature, but under emergency circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, law allows the government to contract directly with a service provider.
