Today, airberlin becomes the first German airline to fly to Iceland in winter. Two non-stop flights a week will depart from Berlin-Tegel for Reykjavik, on Thursdays and Sundays. Dr. Helmut Kunz, airberlin pilot and Head of Training, is particularly pleased: he has had a special connection to Iceland ever since ash clouds from the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull darkened the skies in 2010.
After the ash brought air traffic in Europe to a standstill for several weeks, Kunz operated the first test flight over Germany to collect measurement data. “We were the only aircraft in the skies over Europe that day – we could fly wherever we wanted. It was a unique experience!” The airspace was cleared for flights the very next day.

airberlin Pilot Helmut Kunz infront of Icelandic volcano

As an ambassador at the 50th ITB next year, Helmut Kunz recently returned to Iceland, and was shown the volcano again by Icelandic classic singer and tour guide, Arndis Halla. Find out more about the trip to Iceland online: www.itb50.com
Photographer: Emil Thor Sirgudsson