This is our aircraft, (TF-FLN) parked in Reykjavik Airport, taken as we waited for the go ahead to board.
We had booked a day trip by air to the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands), which are just off the south coast of Iceland. The Westman Islands hit the news in the 1970s because of a volcanic eruption in the town of Heimaey (the only part of the islands which is inhabited).
This shows our aircraft as it is fuelled up ready for the flight.
I was lucky enough to get a window seat, and on the Fokker 27, that was a joy indeed!! Unlike the Fokker 50, the Fokker 27 had large windows, which were excellent for viewing and photography. It was a sunny day, perfect for the low level flight offered in the Fokker 27 (and a superb way to see Iceland). We had a smooth take off, and had some excellent views of Reykjavik as we climbed away from the airfield.
A view of Reykjavik after take off.
Another after take off shot (note the shadow of the aircraft!!)
Even though it was early May, there was snow on the ground in Iceland.
Here is a view of typical Icelandic tundra!!
The flight only lasted 25 minutes, and there was no meal or drinks service on such a short flight, but is was a superb, memorable experience!
The mouth of an Icelandic river as seen from the air.
This photo was taken as we crossed the south coast of Iceland.
The flight was generally turbulence free, and we landed in the Westman Islands smoothly.
This is the aircraft after we disembarked in the Westman Islands.
The air in the Vestmannaeyjar smelled of fish, as the area is a fishing place where fish is also hung out to dry on racks. The airfield was also very close to the volcano, the closest I have ever landed to an active volcano. Apart from the runway and taxi ways, everywhere else was paved with gravel.
The return flight was not as much fun, as I was not lucky enough to get a window seat, and the person next to me just read a magazine (which really annoys me when I want to look through the window and I am stuck in an aisle seat!) The only thing wrong with the flights, apart from not having a window seat on the return, was that they were too short!! We landed back in Reykjavik domestic airport on a sunny evening after a brilliant day trip. There will be more about the Vestmannaeyjar written in City Guide. There will also be more Icelandic flight written up in this section of the forum!
