As of today, June 2nd, Iceland’s only low-cost carrier became the first airline to operate scheduled flights direct from Ireland to Iceland.

The inaugural flight on the new WOW air route took off from Dublin Airport this morning with flights operating to Iceland’s capital Reykjavik on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The flight time is two hours and 20 minutes.

News of Wow air's plan to enter the Irish market first broke eight months ago, with travellers embracing the chance to see the Northern Lights with the help of a budget carrier offering flights from as little as €79 one way.

Summer months offer Iceland’s summer visitors up to 24 hours sunlight to enjoy its famous hot springs and colourful summer festival calendar, while darker winter months offer tourists a chance to catch a glimpse of the breath taking Northern Lights.

WOW air was founded by Icelandic serial entrepreneur Skuli Mogensen in November 2011.

Last February, Mr. Mogensen was in Dublin to announce WOW air’s transatlantic offering. Beginning today, the airline will also be the first low-cost carrier to fly transatlantic from Dublin, with a new low fare route to the USA for Irish passengers.

WOW air will fly to Boston and Washington DC, via Reykjavik Iceland, from Dublin Airport with fares as low as €197 one way to Boston and €200 one way to Washington DC.

Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Marking the inaugural flight today, WOW air CEO, Skuli Mogensen said: ‘We are delighted to be the first airline to offer direct flights between Ireland and Iceland. Today’s flight marks the beginning of what will become a strong connection between two countries that share so many similarities. There is great excitement among the people of Iceland to sample what Ireland has to offer and we cannot wait to welcome the Irish to Iceland over the summer months and into the future,’ he said.