Niceair plans a June launch with a single Airbus A319 from Akureyri, the gateway to Iceland’s north. UK operator Superbreak previously operated a short charter flight series to Akureyri.

Niceair takes its name from North Iceland and initially plans services to the UK, Denmark and Spain.

The airline’s managing director Thorvaldur Ludvik Sigurjonsson said: "The company’s intention is to establish scheduled flights throughout the year to foreign destinations from Akureyri Airport.

"This will at the same time improve the living conditions of individuals in the area, improve the access of foreign tourists to the North and, last but not least, increase the competitiveness of companies in the area."

Flights are also planned to Egilsstadir airport in the east of Iceland.

Icelandic source Visir said Niceair’s operating licence would be held by an unnamed European carrier. Backers include companies in the northern part of Iceland with more investors being called for.

Niceair’s plans follow the launch of Play last year, which flies from Reykjavik to Stansted. Play hopes to fill the gap left by the collapse of Iceland’s Wow Air by operating connecting flights between Europe and the US via Reykjavik.