Icelandair has launched a new gateway in the United States: Cleveland, Ohio.

The inaugural flight will take place in May 2018, and will begin with four flights a week.

Tickets will be available for purchase in the coming weeks.

The city will be Icelandair’s 19th gateway in North America.

Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland is known for art, basketball, and rock and roll.

With a population of 2.2 million inhabitants, the city has a vast industrial history and is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Sports enthusiasts will also recognise Cleveland’s basketball team, the Cavaliers, led by one of the brightest stars of the NBA, LeBron James.

“Cleveland is the perfect destination for our route network.

“We are happy to be the first carrier to provide service to Europe in eight years.

“This addition also strengthens our route network and bridges Europe and Cleveland together by providing direct service to Iceland in addition to quick and convenient connections to 30 destinations in Europe,” says Icelandair chief executive, Birkir Holm Gudnason.