IATA Code

RC

ICAO Code

FLI

Routes

12

Last updated: January 27, 2025

About

Atlantic Airways is the flag carrier airline of the Faroe Islands, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Headquartered in Sorvagur on the island of Vagar, the airline operates from its sole hub at Vagar Airport (FAE) and serves as the critical air link connecting the remote North Atlantic archipelago to mainland Europe and Scandinavia.

Founded in 1987 as Faroe Islands' national airline, Atlantic Airways has grown to become essential infrastructure for the 54,000 residents of the Faroe Islands. The airline maintains year-round connections to Copenhagen (the primary link to Denmark and the wider world), along with seasonal and regular services to Reykjavik, Edinburgh, Bergen, Barcelona, and Paris. Given the Faroe Islands' isolated location—roughly equidistant between Norway, Iceland, and Scotland—the airline provides a vital lifeline that cannot be easily substituted by surface transport.

Atlantic Airways is not a member of any major airline alliance and operates independently. The airline is majority-owned by the Faroese government through the holding company Landsverk. With a small but modern fleet of Airbus A320neo and A319 aircraft, Atlantic Airways offers a full-service experience on all routes, distinguishing itself from the low-cost carriers that dominate European short-haul flying.

Network

6 airports served

Loading map...

Observed Flights

Callsigns tracked for Atlantic Airways (FLI) - 6 unique callsigns observed

Baggage Policy

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (all fares):

  • Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in)
  • Must fit under seat in front of you
  • Examples: Small backpack, handbag, laptop bag

Cabin Bag (all fares):

  • Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.6 x 15.7 x 9 in) including handles and wheels
  • Weight limit: 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
  • Included on all fare types
Fare Type Personal Item Cabin Bag Notes
Economy Included Included (1) Standard allocation
Business Included Included (1) Same cabin bag allowance

Note: Weight limits are enforced, particularly on smaller aircraft during challenging weather conditions where weight and balance are critical.

Checked Baggage

Standard Size: 158 cm (62 in) linear dimensions maximum (length + width + height)

Included Baggage by Fare:

Fare Type Bags Included Additional Bag Weight Limit
Economy 1 DKK 350 (~$50) 23 kg (50 lbs)
Business 2 DKK 350 (~$50) 32 kg (70 lbs) each

Booking Channel:

  • Pre-purchase online: Available at standard rate
  • Airport counter: Same price (no penalty for airport purchase)
  • Maximum 3 bags per passenger

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Condition Fee
Overweight (24-32 kg / 51-70 lbs) DKK 200 (~$29)
Over 32 kg (70 lbs) Not accepted
Oversized (159-203 cm / 63-80 in) DKK 350 (~$50)

Special Items

Item Fee Notes
Golf clubs Standard bag fee Counts as 1 checked bag
Skis/Snowboards Standard bag fee Counts as 1 checked bag
Bicycle DKK 400 (~$57) Must be properly packed
Stroller Free Gate-check available
Car seat Free Gate-check available
Wheelchair/Mobility aids Free
CPAP machine Free Does not count as carry-on

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at atlanticairways.com/baggage before traveling.

In-Flight Experience

Cabin Classes

Atlantic Airways operates two cabin classes on its Airbus fleet: Business Class and Economy Class. Given the short flight times (typically 1-2 hours), the product is designed for regional travel rather than long-haul comfort.

Business Class

Seat Specifications:

  • Pitch: 36-38" (91-97 cm)
  • Width: 18" (46 cm)
  • Recline: 5-6"
  • Configuration: 2-2 (A320neo)

Business Class Features:

  • Wider middle seat blocked for more space
  • Priority boarding and check-in
  • Enhanced meal service with complimentary beverages
  • Dedicated cabin crew attention
  • Two checked bags (32 kg each) included

Economy Class

Seat Specifications:

  • Pitch: 30-32" (76-81 cm)
  • Width: 17.5-18" (44-46 cm)
  • Recline: 3"
  • Configuration: 3-3 (A320neo/A319)

Economy Class Features:

  • One checked bag (23 kg) included
  • Buy-on-board food and beverages
  • Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages

Food & Beverage

Business Class:

  • Complimentary multi-course meal service
  • Selection of wines, beers, and spirits included
  • Snacks available throughout flight

Economy Class:

  • Complimentary tea, coffee, and soft drinks
  • Buy-on-board sandwiches, snacks, and hot meals
  • Faroese specialties often featured (dried fish, local lamb products)

Entertainment

Given short flight times, Atlantic Airways does not offer seatback entertainment systems:

  • No WiFi currently available
  • Scenic views are the main attraction—window seats highly recommended
  • Many passengers use the flight to admire the dramatic Faroese landscape on approach

Fleet Information

Current Fleet:

  • Airbus A320neo: Primary aircraft for Copenhagen and longer routes
  • Airbus A319: Used for thinner routes and backup

The A320neo fleet offers improved fuel efficiency important for the airline's environmental profile, and modern cabin interiors with USB power at every seat.

Tips & Tricks

Booking

  • Book directly: Atlantic Airways doesn't appear on all OTAs—book at atlanticairways.com for best availability
  • Flexible fares for weather: If traveling in winter, consider flexible fares to allow for weather rebooking
  • Copenhagen connection timing: Allow at least 2-3 hours for connections at CPH during winter months
  • Peak season: Summer (June-August) offers best weather but highest demand—book early

At Vagar Airport

  • Arrive early: Airport is small but check-in can be slow with limited counters
  • Weather delays: Bring snacks and entertainment—delays can last hours
  • No lounge: Airport has a small cafe and duty-free shop
  • Stunning approach: Book a window seat for the dramatic landing experience
  • Helicopter connections: If continuing to outer islands, Atlantic Airways' helicopter subsidiary operates from near the terminal

Maximizing Your Trip

  • Stopover potential: Unlike Icelandair's formal program, there's no official stopover offer, but the Faroe Islands are worth exploring
  • Helicopter service: Atlantic Airways operates helicopter flights between Faroese islands—unique travel experience
  • Rental cars: Book in advance; limited availability on the islands
  • Summer daylight: Near-24-hour daylight in June allows maximum exploration

Common Issues

  • Weather delays: The #1 challenge—build buffer time into your travel plans
  • No frequent flyer program: No way to earn status or miles
  • Limited flight frequency: Missing a flight can mean waiting 24+ hours for the next one
  • Small airline: Customer service may have longer response times
  • Currency: Faroe Islands use DKK (Danish Krone); pricing is in DKK

Unique Experiences

  • Challenging approaches: Aviation enthusiasts rate Vagar Airport approaches among the world's most scenic and demanding
  • Small airline charm: Crew often know regular passengers by name
  • Faroese hospitality: Service reflects the friendly, close-knit Faroese culture
  • Dramatic scenery: Every flight offers spectacular views of cliffs, fjords, and the North Atlantic