The Icelandic state could increase its revenue by up to ISK 1.3 billion (USD 9.8 million, EUR 8.8 million) per year from supporting international flights to Akureyri in North Iceland and Egilsstaðir in East Iceland, according to the conclusion of a task force presented this week.
Matthías Imsland, who heads the task force, told ruv.is that the numbers are looking promising.
The report assumes that two flights per week to each airport year-round would increase the number of tourists to Iceland by 22,000 per year.
It is estimated that each foreign tourists increases the country’s GDP by ISK 165,000 (USD 1,200, EUR 1,100) per year and results in ISK 58,000 in tax revenue.
The state would contribute with discounts on tariffs for the airlines and by assisting with marketing the two regions.
