Iceland officially re-opens its borders to international travellers today, with its national carrier Icelandair welcoming tourists from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, France and Switzerland on board and into the Nordic island during 15-30 June. Icelandair will continue to ensure minimum air transport to and from the UK and the US, with two flights a week to London and Boston in cooperation with the Icelandic authorities. Icelandair’s flight schedule will be revised on 1 July, possibly adding further destinations.
Iceland managed to contain coronavirus earlier this year and received worldwide recognition for its success in flattening the curve, making this border re-opening – one of the first in the world – possible.
Icelandair is working closely with Keflavik International Airport and the Icelandic Tourism Board to ensure tourists can travel safely to and from the country, and enjoy all it has to offer. Visitors won’t have any trouble keeping their distance from others while enjoying the country’s vast and dramatic landscape – and with the whole country open, they’ll also be able to enjoy Icelandic culture and cuisine, as well as the vibrant nightlife of Reykjavík.
Speaking about the news Icelandair’s Chief Commercial Officer, Birna Osk Einarsdottir said: “We are delighted that Iceland is one of the first countries to open back up to the world and to travellers in this way.
“Iceland is the ideal place to visit at this time – it is safe, clean, healthy and spacious with a small population and beautiful nature and wilderness.
“We’ve introduced a range of new measures at Icelandair in preparation for the first weeks of flying, to ensure all passengers are safe and feel comfortable flying with us. We’re ready when you are – so look forward to welcoming British travellers on board as soon as authorities allow.”
Safe travel with Icelandair
Icelandair is following strict hygiene, health and safety guidelines in collaboration with experts and Icelandic health authorities. It has introduced a range of new measures to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew. More information on these can be found below, on the airline’s website or in this video on the new travel experience.
In addition, Icelandair’s cabin members have access to MedAire, the world’s leading provider of in-flight medical advice, should symptoms of any medical issues or emergencies present mid-flight. Icelandair was the first airline in the world, and is still the only airline in Europe, to implement the MedAire app. The app helps crew conduct in-flight patient assessments to expedite their care and communicate their symptoms to MedAire’s doctors on the ground.
Pre-boarding
- All Icelandair kiosks, check-in counters, doorknobs, handrails and other touch points will be sanitised multiple times a day. Hand sanitisers are available at the kiosks and check-in counters.
- It is recommended that all passengers wear face masks during their time at the airport.
- Temporarily, passengers will only be able to take one personal carry-on item on board, which must fit under the seat in front of them. We will check-in all approved carry-on allowance for free.
- Use the Icelandair app or check-in online to get your boarding pass; this ensures a contactless journey through the terminal building and onto the aircraft.
On board
- Screens, seat belts and buckles, tray tables, arm rests and window shades, light switches and air circulation controls, head rests, overhead lockers and restrooms are all disinfected before passengers board.
- It is mandatory for all passengers and crew members to wear a face mask on Icelandair flights from 15 June, from the time passengers board until they disembark. Masks can be removed when eating and drinking.
- Passengers will be asked to observe the 2-metre distance rule during boarding and to take their seats immediately once on board.
- Service on board is limited to minimise contact between passengers and crew members. Passengers’ water bottles cannot be refilled during a flight, but passengers will be provided with a water bottle when boarding.
- Our aircraft have High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters which means the air supply on board is always fresh. It is circulated for no longer than 2-3 minutes as it passes through a series of filters 20-30 times per hour. These are the same filters used in hospital surgical rooms.
