While takeoff favors the left for fjord views, the landing approach from the right over Faxaflói bay and the Reykjanes Peninsula provides more dramatic and extended scenery. The right side captures the volcanic landscape and approach to Reykjavik's coastal setting.
Flown AEY to RKV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Akureyri to Reykjavik is 155 miles (249 km), a flight of about 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Iceland's interior plateau. Notable features include the Hofsjökull glacier region (visible as white expanse to the east around midpoint), Langjökull glacier (west of centerline), and the transition from northern fjord terrain to the more open central highlands. The route generally follows a south-southwest heading, passing over sparsely populated moorland and glacial valleys.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from AEY
LEFTAkureyri typically departs runway 10/28. Northbound departures (runway 10) favor left seats with views of Eyjafjörður fjord and the northern coastline. Southbound departures (runway 28) also work from the left, showing the glacial valleys inland.
Landing at RKV
RIGHTReykjavik typically uses runways 01/19. Northbound approaches (runway 01) favor right seats with views of Faxaflói bay and the Reykjanes Peninsula. The descent path over the bay provides extended views of the coastline and city approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Akureyri (AEY) to Reykjavik (RKV)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Akureyri to Reykjavik. While takeoff favors the left for fjord views, the landing approach from the right over Faxaflói bay and the Reykjanes Peninsula provides more dramatic and extended scenery. The right side captures the volcanic landscape and approach to Reykjavik's coastal setting.
What can I see during takeoff from Akureyri in Akureyri?
During takeoff from Akureyri (AEY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Akureyri typically departs runway 10/28. Northbound departures (runway 10) favor left seats with views of Eyjafjörður fjord and the northern coastline. Southbound departures (runway 28) also work from the left, showing the glacial valleys inland. Notable sights include: Eyjafjörður fjord (immediately below during climb), Súlur mountain (distinctive twin peaks east of airport), Húsavík coastal settlement (northeast), Vaglaskógur forest (south of airport).
What can I see when landing at Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
When landing at Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Reykjavik typically uses runways 01/19. Northbound approaches (runway 01) favor right seats with views of Faxaflói bay and the Reykjanes Peninsula. The descent path over the bay provides extended views of the coastline and city approach. Notable sights include: Faxaflói bay (large water body west of Reykjavik), Reykjanes Peninsula (volcanic terrain, south), Mount Esja (prominent mountain north of city), Reykjavik city center (visible in final approach).
How long is the flight from Akureyri to Reykjavik?
The flight from Akureyri (AEY) to Reykjavik (RKV) takes about 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 155 miles (249 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Akureyri to Reykjavik flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Iceland's interior plateau. Notable features include the Hofsjökull glacier region (visible as white expanse to the east around midpoint), Langjökull glacier (west of centerline), and the transition from northern fjord terrain to the more open central highlands. The route generally follows a south-southwest heading, passing over sparsely populated moorland and glacial valleys.