July 2022 was a reasonably busy month for Icelandair, the national carrier of Iceland, with the firm transporting 529,189 passengers over the period. Up 141% from the same period last year and a marked improvement from predictions earlier in the year.
The number of passengers on international flights was 504,326 compared to 195 thousand in July 2021 and 407 thousand in June this year. The number of passengers to Iceland was 230 thousand and from Iceland 57 thousand. Via passengers were 217 thousand or 43% of the international passengers. On time performance was 64% and was affected by disruptions in the route network that mainly resulted from challenging conditions at international airports. The load factor on international flights was 89.6%, compared to 70.4% in July 2021. Sales and load factor of Saga Premium seats continues to improve from previous years. This record load factor for July is driven by realisation of pent-up demand. It is also a strong indicator of a well-balanced route network, effective revenue management and sales and marketing activities.
The domestic network has recovered well and already reached pre-Covid levels. The number of passengers on domestic flights was close to 25 thousand compared to around 24 thousand in July 2021. The load factor on domestic flights was 74.5% compared to 76.5% in July 2021.
Sold block hours in charter flights increased by 7%. Freight measured in Freight Ton Kilometers decreased by 14% compared to July last year.
July last year.
| Route Network | Jul 22 | Jul 21 | CHG (%) | YTD 22 | YTD 21 | CHG (%) |
| Number of Passengers | 529,189 | 219,419 | 141% | 1,940,988 | 440,535 | 341% |
| Load Factor | 89.5% | 70.4% | 19.1 ppt | 78.5% | 57.5% | 21.0 ppt |
| Available Seat KM (ASK´000,000) | 1,731.6 | 906.0 | 91% | 7,038.5 | 1,819.5 | 287% |
| Revenue Passenger KM (RPK´000,000) | 1,550.6 | 638.1 | 143% | 5,524.6 | 1,045.3 | 428% |
| INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS | Jul 22 | Jul 21 | CHG (%) | YTD 22 | YTD 21 | CHG (%) |
| To market (passengers) | 230,253 | 116,679 | 97% | 819,141 | 194,610 | 321% |
| From market (passengers) | 57,335 | 27,674 | 107% | 304,582 | 59,755 | 410% |
| Via market (passengers) | 216,737 | 50,872 | 326% | 668,344 | 68,219 | 880% |
| Number of Passengers | 504,326 | 195,225 | 158% | 1,792,067 | 322,584 | 456% |
| Load Factor | 89.6% | 70.4% | 19.3 ppt | 78.5% | 57.1% | 21.4 ppt |
| Available Seat KM (ASK´000,000) | 1,721.9 | 896.5 | 92% | 6,984.0 | 1,769.4 | 295% |
| Revenue Passenger KM (RPK´000,000) | 1,543.4 | 630.8 | 145% | 5,482.2 | 1,011.0 | 442% |
| Stage length (KM) | 3,073 | 3,244 | -5% | 3,069 | 3,077 | 0% |
| On-Time-Performance (Arrivals) | 63.5% | 81.0% | -17.5 ppt | 71.7% | 87.0% | -15.3 ppt |
| DOMESTIC FLIGHTS | Jul 22 | Jul 21 | CHG (%) | YTD 22 | YTD 21 | CHG (%) |
| Number of Passengers | 24,863 | 24,194 | 3% | 148,921 | 117,951 | 26% |
| Load Factor | 74.5% | 76.5% | -2.0 ppt | 77.9% | 68.5% | 9.3 ppt |
| Available Seat KM (ASK´000,000) | 9.7 | 9.5 | 2% | 54.4 | 50.1 | 9% |
| Cargo & Leasing | Jul 22 | Jul 21 | CHG (%) | YTD 22 | YTD 21 | CHG (%) |
| Sold Block Hours - Leasing | 1,348 | 1,261 | 7% | 8,069 | 7,980 | 1% |
| Freight Tonne KM (FTK´000) | 9,249 | 10,736 | -14% | 78,430 | 78,588 | 0% |
| CO2 EMISSIONS | Jul 22 | Jul 21 | CHG (%) | YTD 22 | YTD 21 | CHG (%) |
| Total CO2 emissions tonnes | 121,195 | 66,960 | 81% | 510,200 | 169,640 | 201% |
| CO2 emissions per OTK | 0.72 | 0.89 | -19% | 0.79 | 1.06 | -26% |
.
The volcanic eruption on Reykjanes peninsula
Something to keep an eye on, although hasn't had much of an impact on travel at this stage is the volcanic eruption that started on August 3, 2022, in southwest Iceland, about 15 km from Keflavik International Airport. There have been no flight disruptions or schedule changes due to this eruption, which is considered relatively small and currently poses no threat to populated areas or infrastructure.
Icelandair's Pride Flight
This year on August 4, Icelandair marked its continuous support of equality by dedicating flight FI318 between Keflavík and Oslo, and FI319 between Oslo and Keflavík, to the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community. The cabin crew and pilots on this special "Pride Flight" are all proud members or allies of the LGBTQ+ community. The service on board is themed accordingly – with little treats, rainbows, and a festive mood.
On August 5, passengers on selected international flights got pride-themed treats, and on August 6 the love was shared with passengers on domestic flights.
Every year many families, businesses, organizations, artists, and politicians take part in the Pride festivities and express their support and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community. From an international perspective, Iceland has a prominent role in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and that is widely felt across the country. Icelandair is a proud member of a community that values and supports equality. "We are happy to partner with Reykjavík Pride to transport special guests to the event." the carrier stated recently.