Published on
December 24, 2025
Iceland’s domestic air network is facing significant disruptions as multiple flights between Reykjavik Airport and Akureyri Airport were cancelled this week. A total of six flights were affected, impacting key destinations including Hornafjordur, Akureyri, and Isafjordur. These cancellations are creating challenges for passengers relying on the country’s regional flights, which play a vital role in connecting Icelandic towns.
Widespread Cancellations at Reykjavik Airport
Reykjavik Airport (BIRK), the main hub for domestic travel, reported four cancelled departures this week:
Disruptions at Akureyri Airport
Akureyri Airport (BIAR) also faced two cancellations, both impacting return flights to Reykjavik:
Widespread Cancellations at Reykjavik Airport
Reykjavik Airport (BIRK), the main hub for domestic travel, reported four cancelled departures this week. Passengers were affected by flight FXI74, operated by a DH8B aircraft, from Reykjavik to Hornafjordur (HFN / BIHN) scheduled for Wednesday at 09:45 AM GMT. Two DH8D flights to Akureyri (AEY / BIAR) were also cancelled: FXI30 on Wednesday at 09:30 AM GMT and FXI50 on Tuesday at 06:15 PM GMT. Additionally, FXI16, a DH8B flight to Isafjordur (IFJ / BIIS) on Wednesday at 10:00 AM GMT, did not operate.
Disruptions at Akureyri Airport
Akureyri Airport (BIAR) experienced two cancellations affecting return trips to Reykjavik. Flight FXI31, using a DH8D aircraft, was scheduled to depart Akureyri to Reykjavik (RKV / BIRK) on Wednesday at 10:45 AM GMT but was cancelled, as was FXI51, another DH8D flight planned for Tuesday at 07:30 PM GMT. Travelers from Akureyri now face fewer options for reaching the capital, requiring adjustments to their travel plans.
The Role of Aircraft in Regional Operations
Most of these cancelled flights were scheduled using DH8 aircraft, which Iceland airlines use for short-haul domestic routes. While these aircraft handle Iceland’s challenging weather and smaller runways effectively, their limited capacity and lack of backup planes mean that any disruption can have a major effect on passengers and schedules.
Impact on Local Communities
The ripple effects of these cancellations extend far beyond individual passengers. Towns such as Hornafjordur, Akureyri, and Isafjordur depend on regional flights for:
- Business travel and commercial connectivity
- Tourism and related economic activity
- Access to essential services, including healthcare and government facilities
Flight cancellations Iceland this week highlight the fragility of domestic air transport in keeping communities efficiently connected. For both residents and visitors, planning with flexibility has become essential.
Advice for Passengers
Passengers affected by the cancellations are encouraged to:
- Monitor flight schedules with Iceland airlines regularly
- Confirm departure times before heading to the airport
- Explore alternate routes or rebooking options provided by the airlines
Understanding that disruptions are often unavoidable, particularly for regional flights, helps travelers plan contingencies and reduce inconvenience.
Broader Implications for Iceland’s Air Travel Network
These flight cancellations also highlight the wider challenges facing Iceland’s air travel infrastructure. Smaller airports and regional routes are particularly sensitive to even minor operational issues, from sudden weather changes to staffing shortages or maintenance delays. As a result, the reliability of domestic flights can have cascading effects on tourism schedules, business operations, and inter-island connectivity. For airlines, this underlines the importance of contingency planning and clear communication with passengers to maintain trust and minimize disruption.
Looking Ahead
Iceland’s domestic network relies heavily on small aircraft and tightly coordinated schedules. While Reykjavik Airport and Akureyri Airport remain crucial hubs, recent flight cancellations underscore the importance of operational resilience and planning.
As Icelandic airlines work to restore normal service, travelers should stay alert for updates. Flight cancellations Iceland remain a recurring challenge during periods of unpredictable weather or operational strain, and proactive planning is key to smooth travel across the country.
Key Takeaways:
- Total of six flights cancelled affecting Reykjavik, Akureyri, and Isafjordur
- DH8 aircraft dominate the cancelled routes for regional flights
- Passengers advised to check with Iceland airlines for alternatives
- Local communities and tourism impacted
- Flexibility is essential for travelers navigating Iceland’s domestic network
