Published on
December 19, 2025
The newly re-launched Nice Air, which has its hub based in the city of Akureyri, is going to commence operations starting flights for passengers coming from North Iceland to Copenhagen by February 2026. The sales for tickets on the new route were launched on December 17, which has raised enthusiasm for the new connection available for passengers coming from Iceland and Denmark.
Rebuilding Nice Air: New Vision and Leadership
On December 10, German businessman and Nice Air CEO Martin Michael announced his plans to restore the defunct airline. The details of the relaunch were revealed during a press conference held in Akureyri on December 16, where Martin outlined the company’s new direction. The airline’s restoration is primarily funded by Martin’s private equity investment, which has enabled the revival of the once-popular regional carrier.
Flexibility Through Aircraft Rentals and Strategic Partnerships
The newly re-established Nice Air plans to operate with a different business model compared to the original airline. To increase flexibility and operational efficiency, the company will rent airplanes from foreign partner companies instead of owning a fleet. This will allow the airline to expand its route network and adjust quickly to market demands.
For the Copenhagen route, Nice Air has forged a partnership with Danish charter airline Air Seven. This collaboration will provide the necessary aircraft and operational support for the Iceland-Copenhagen flights, enabling the new Nice Air to efficiently serve the route and offer competitive services to passengers.
Looking Ahead: Nice Air’s Role in North Iceland’s Connectivity
Nice Air’s re-establishment marks a significant milestone in North Iceland’s connectivity to Europe, offering an essential travel link between Iceland and Denmark. The upcoming flights to Copenhagen are expected to bolster tourism and business connections between the two regions, facilitating increased travel in both directions. This route is expected to serve as a key component of Iceland’s broader tourism recovery, enhancing connectivity and encouraging more visitors from Denmark and surrounding European markets.
Future Travel and Tourism Growth in Iceland and Beyond
The re-launch of Nice Air represents a major step forward for the tourism growth in Iceland. With the opening of new routes like Copenhagen, Nice Air has the potential to attract more international tourists, providing a much-needed boost to the country’s post-pandemic tourism industry. The connection to Copenhagen, a key hub for European travelers, could serve as a gateway for future routes to other destinations in Europe, especially in the growing market for adventure tourism and cultural exploration in Iceland.
In the long term, the future travel and tourism growth of Iceland is expected to thrive with more connectivity, as airline competition and new flight options continue to open up the destination to wider international markets. For North Iceland, particularly, the expansion of air services means greater access to the region’s stunning natural attractions, cultural sites, and thriving hospitality sector, paving the way for sustained economic growth and an increase in tourism-related jobs.
Nice Air’s focus on operational flexibility and partnerships with international carriers will also play a key role in establishing Iceland as a year-round tourism destination, catering to both leisure and business travelers. As more travelers from Europe seek to explore Iceland’s natural beauty, the airline’s growth could significantly contribute to the nation’s tourism diversification and economic development in the years to come.
Nice Air’s Role in Shaping Iceland’s Tourism Future
The restarted operations for Nice Air and its Copenhagen flights signify a new beginning in the aviation and development in the tourism sector in Iceland. By improving connectivity, enhancing international business and tourism travel, and positioning Iceland as an increasingly more accessible and attractive destination, it is clear that Nice Air will assume an importance in the tourism development in Iceland in the coming future. As it expands, it would position Iceland highly in the European tourism market.
