Iceland Express is shifting the launch of its Gatwick service back to Spring 2009. The budget airline had originally planned to start the five-times-per-week Gatwick-Reykjavik service on 16 September 2008.Birna Guðmundsdóttir, marketing manager for Iceland Express, said: “We have decided to move the launch of this exciting new service to the Spring as it is the peak travel season for Iceland.  While the number of bookings has never been higher for Iceland Express, we do not want the current increase in fuel costs to impact on the ticket prices for our customers.

“Iceland Express is remaining cautious in the current uncertain economic climate, while continuing to deliver the best possible service at the best possible price.  Iceland Express is a Budget airline and we want to ensure it stays that way.”

Iceland Express is also pleased to announce it will be introducing two Boeing 737-700s from September.  The aircraft are more environmentally friendly and will result in a 25 per cent reduction on fuel costs for Iceland Express.

All passengers who had booked flights on the Gatwick service have been notified and offered either a full refund or an alternative flight.

The existing Stansted to Reykjavik route will continue to operate a daily service.
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