A new, nonstop flight has been launched from the US to an isolated island nation, the Faroe Islands. These starkly beautiful isles lie between Norway and Iceland and are a self-governed Danish territory that most travelers haven’t visited yet. However, this is likely to change with the availability of the new direct flight from New York. Read on to find out more about the Faroe Islands and what can be expected from a visit here.
New nonstop flight launching from New York to the Faroe Islands
Lying between beautiful Norway and Iceland is an equally scenic and isolated nation, the Faroe Islands. Few tourists currently visit this remote spot, but this will soon change. Not only is there a new direct flight, but new hotels are being opened, including some from the well-known Hilton brand. In fact, a number of hotels are already available in the capital city of Tórshavn.
The Faroe Islands consist of 18 scenic isles offering endless beautiful landscapes. However, up until now, the islands have been difficult to reach and rarely on travelers’ bucket lists. In fact, few are aware of this undiscovered gem in the North Atlantic. Now, for anyone seeking an adventure in wild nature, this lovely place will soon be much more accessible to US travelers.
Atlantic Airways and the Faroe Islands
Considering how remote and sparsely populated the Faroe Islands are, it might come as a surprise to find out that not only do they have an airport, but they even have their own airline. Known as Atlantic Airways, it has a small fleet of modern aircraft. However, currently, the airline has few destinations and only flies to these four locations:
- Billund, Denmark (BLL)
- Copenhagen Denmark (CPH)
- Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF)
- Oslo, Norway (OSL)
However, besides Atlantic Airways, other European airlines do serve Vágar Airport (FAE). Moreover, soon a new direct route will allow travelers to experience the culture, scenery and wildlife of this relatively unspoiled place.
Speaking to the media, Jóhanna á Bergi, CEO of Atlantic Airways said:
We are very excited about this new historic route between the Faroe Islands to the US. Interest for this new route is very high on both sides of the Atlantic.
However, while New York City serves many flights, this new nonstop option will fly in and out of New York Stewart International Airport (SWF), owned by the Port Authority. Meanwhile, Atlantic Airways will be launching seasonal flights on a weekly basis starting on August 22, 2023, to October 4, 2023.
Flights will leave New York Stewart International Airport each Wednesday, with a return flight each Tuesday. Moreover, passengers will travel on an Airbus A320neo and each flight takes six hours. Meanwhile, travelers won’t have to wait too long to book their flight as tickets will be available on the Atlantic Airways website from May 15, 2023.
Flying to and from New York Stewart International Airport
While most travelers are familiar with flights from JFK, La Guardia or Newark, they will need to head north of the Big Apple to the smaller New York Stewart International Airport (SWF), which is owned by the Port Authority.
In a recent media statement, Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said:
Offering nonstop service to the Faroe Islands is a historic first not just for New York Stewart, but for the nation.
Cotton added that in recent years, the Port Authority has steadily invested in New York Stewart. This has transformed the airport into an attractive, modern destination, complete with a brand-new customs hall. Moreover, he said that the airport will offer “unique, competitive choices for both domestic and international travelers.” Cotton added that they look forward to the new partnership with Atlantic Airways.
Getting to New York Stewart Airport
There are a number of options to travel to Stewart, including a convenient shuttle that takes travelers around 70 miles to the airport.
Moreover, SWF currently offers the following direct, nonstop flights:
- Reykjavik (KEF) via PLAY Airlines
- Orlando (MCO) via Frontier Airlines
- Orlando-Sanford (SFB), St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE) and Punta Gorda (PGD) via Allegiant
The Faroe Islands in brief
The capital of the Faroe Islands is Tórshavn on Vágar Island in the western part of the archipelago and those who fly there will find it takes only 45 minutes to travel from the airport to the city. The island has many natural attractions to explore, including its 50 mountains, all of which are easy to climb. Meanwhile, there are six villages to visit on Vágar Island: Sørvágur, Bøur, Gásadalur, Sandavágur, Miðvágur, and Vatnsoyrar.
Moreover, Gásadalur is the smallest village on the island with a population of only 10 people, but that doesn’t stop it from being a major destination here. The town is home to the famous Múlafossur Waterfall (pictured above), likely the most photographed location in the Faroe Islands
Readers can find more information on this intriguing and remote destination on the official website for the Faroe Islands here.