Nordurflug Helicopter Tours

What Nordurflug Helicopter Tours does

Nordurflug Helicopter Tours (legal entity Nordurflug ehf., Icelandic company registration kt. 460206-2940) is a privately held helicopter tour operator founded in February 2006 and headquartered at Nauthólsvegur 58d, Hangar 1, inside Reykjavik Domestic Airport. The company operates a fleet of three helicopters - two Airbus EC130 sightseeing-configured aircraft (seating six each) and one AS350 B3 Ecureuil (seating five) - supplemented by a Bell 206 Jetranger for photo-door configurations. Service lines fall into six categories: up-to-two-hour sightseeing tours, two-to-four-hour combination tours, full-day expeditions to remote regions, combo trips with third-party activity providers (Safari Quads, Mountaineers of Iceland, Ice Bike Adventures), private charters, and year-round aerial filming for film, television, documentary, music-video, and automotive-commercial productions. Pricing is per-person or per-tour, ranging from 26,900 ISK for Heli-Hops group flights to 499,900 ISK for the Wonders of Westfjords expedition, with private charters up to 851,950 ISK per tour.\n\nThe business operates as a direct-to-consumer tour operator with an integrated website booking engine on helicopter.is, supplemented by email ([email protected]) and phone (+354 562-2500) sales. Approximately 15 staff work year-round, scaling to about 23 in high season, including Chief Pilot Jón, four additional pilots (Andri, Sævar Þór, Fannar), Technical Director Hrönn, Sales & Marketing Manager Vera, and Customer Service (Bryndís); the company is led by a husband-and-wife team serving as CEO and CFO. Customer segments include Free Independent Travelers, luxury and incentive travel groups, corporate and event clients, professional photographers, and film/media productions. Distribution includes hotel pickup partnerships with Hotel Rangá, Ion Hotel, and Grímsborgir Hotel on route-aligned itineraries.\n\nThe company is independently owned with no disclosed external investors, parent company, subsidiaries, or funding rounds. Operating geographies are limited to Iceland, with flights covering all major regions including Reykjanes Peninsula, Golden Circle, South Coast, Westfjords, Mývatn, and Vatnajökull. The company has built brand credibility through TripAdvisor rankings among Iceland's top activities, 1,500+ five-star reviews, and a Hollywood filmography spanning James Bond (Die Another Day, 2002), Batman Begins (2005), Prometheus (2012), Interstellar (2014), Star Wars (2015), Game of Thrones, and numerous automotive commercials for Alfa Romeo, Porsche, Audi, Mercedes, BMW, and other major brands.

Name

Nordurflug Helicopter Tours

Legal name

Nordurflug ehf.

Website

https://helicopter.is

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Nordurflug Helicopter Tours (Nordurflug ehf.) is Iceland's oldest and largest helicopter tour operator, founded in 2006 and based at Reykjavik Domestic Airport. It runs scenic tours, private charters, combo activities, and aerial filming services for tourists, luxury travelers, corporates, and international film productions across Iceland.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Reykjavík

HQ country

Iceland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Infrastructure, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Helicopter Sightseeing Tours: Primary revenue stream from selling helicopter tour experiences ranging from 35-minute volcano tours to full-day expedition tours across Iceland. Pricing is per-person or per-tour depending on tour type, with prices ranging from approximately 46,900 ISK to 499,900 ISK.
2. Combo and Activity Tours: Revenue from combined helicopter and activity tours including Heli-Quad Safari, Heli-Snowmobiling, Heli-Biking, and Heli-Volcano Caving. These partner with third-party activity providers.
3. Film and Photography Services: Revenue from providing helicopter services for film productions, TV shows, documentaries, music videos, and car commercials. Year-round film production work for major Hollywood and international productions.
4. Private Charter Tours: Customizable VIP helicopter tours with pricing from 258,800 ISK per person for 1-1.5 hour tours with 1-5/6 persons, and 851,950 ISK per tour for Private Volcanoes & Glaciers (2-2.5 hours, up to 5 persons).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Nordurflug Helicopter Tours operates a fleet of three helicopters from Reykjavik Domestic Airport to provide scheduled sightseeing tours, private customizable charters, combo activity experiences (quad biking, snowmobiling, biking, volcano caving), and professional aerial filming and photography services. Tours range from 35-minute cityscape or volcano flights to full-day expeditions across Iceland, with optional remote landings at glaciers, geothermal areas, and volcanic sites.

Product overview

Norðurflug is a helicopter tour operator offering a diversified portfolio of sightseeing and adventure experiences across Iceland. The company operates a fleet of Airbus EC130 and AS350 Ecureuil helicopters from Reykjavik Domestic Airport. Tours are organized into six categories: Up to 2 Hour Tours (Volcano, Reykjavik Summit, Geothermal, Countless Craters, Heli-Happy Hour, Waterfalls & Valleys, Glacier Landing), 2-4 Hour Tours (Hunting Film Locations, Essential Iceland, Fire and Ice), Expeditions (Glacier Lagoon, Magical Myvatn, Wonders of Westfjords), Combo Trips (Heli-Quad Safari, Volcano Caving, Heli-Hops, Heli-Biking, Heli-Snowmobiling), Private Tours, and Bestsellers. The flagship Geothermal Tour departs from Reykjavik over the Hellisheiði plateau, while the Essential Iceland Tour provides a comprehensive half-day overview of Iceland's natural highlights. The company also provides film production aerial services and VIP/custom helicopter charters.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Volcano Tour 35–45 minute helicopter tour to the Fagradalsfjall/Geldingadalir volcanic eruption sites on the Reykjanes Peninsula, priced at 73,500 ISK per person. Designed for individual tourists and small groups seeking aerial views of Iceland's volcanic landscapes.
• Reykjavik Summit 30–35 minute helicopter tour over Reykjavik's cityscape with panoramic ocean views and optional summit landing, priced at 46,900 ISK per person. Designed for travelers wanting a short aerial introduction to Iceland's capital.
• Geothermal Tour 50–60 minute helicopter flight over the Hellisheiði plateau and Hengill geothermal area, with a landing, priced at 68,750 ISK per person. Designed for travelers interested in Iceland's volcanic and geothermal landscapes.
• Countless Craters 55–75 minute tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula volcanic landscape with landings at Eldvörp geothermal crater row, Blue Lagoon passes, and rugged coastlines, priced at 89,900 ISK per person. Designed for visitors interested in Iceland's volcanic craters and coastal features.
• Heli-Happy Hour 40–45 minute scenic helicopter tour near Reykjavik featuring city views, lava fields, and a mountaintop landing with sparkling wine, priced at 49,900 ISK per person. Designed for travelers seeking a short celebratory scenic experience.
• Waterfalls & Valleys 65–85 minute helicopter tour featuring Glymur waterfall, Þingvellir National Park, and a landing at the Hengill geothermal area, priced at 89,900 ISK per person with a 2-person minimum. Targeted at visitors wanting a comprehensive short scenic experience.
• Glacier Landing 75–95 minute helicopter tour with a landing on Þórisjökull glacier and views of Skjaldbreiður volcano and Þingvellir National Park, priced at 137,500 ISK per person with a 4-person minimum. Targeted at travelers seeking glacier landing experiences.
• Fire and Ice 100–120 minute helicopter tour landing on Þórisjökull glacier and in the Hengill geothermal area, covering Glymur waterfall and Þingvellir National Park, priced at 169,900 ISK per person. Designed for travelers wanting both glacier and volcanic experiences in one tour.
• Essential Iceland 3–3.5 hour half-day helicopter tour covering Þingvellir, Geysir, Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk, Eyjafjallajökull, Gullfoss, and Háifoss with two landings, priced at 225,900 ISK per person. Designed for travelers seeking a comprehensive overview of Iceland's highlights by air.
• Hunting Film Locations 3.5 hour helicopter tour visiting landscapes featured in films and TV shows including Game of Thrones, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Prometheus, Noah, and Star Wars, with volcanic viewpoint landings, priced at 275,000 ISK per person. Targeted at film enthusiasts and pop-culture travelers.
• Glacier Lagoon Expedition 5.5–6 hour full-day expedition helicopter tour to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Vatnajökull National Park, Fjallabak region, and Landmannalaugar with three landings and packed lunch, priced at 455,000 ISK per person. Designed for travelers wanting a comprehensive remote-area experience.
• Magical Mývatn 7–8 hour full-day expedition to northern Iceland covering the Golden Circle, Holuhraun eruption site, Askja caldera, Dettifoss waterfall, Lake Mývatn, Krafla volcano, Viti and Skútustaðir craters, and Námaskarð geothermal area, with three landings. Designed for travelers seeking Iceland's remote northern highlands.
• Wonders of Westfjords 6–8 hour expedition to Iceland's Westfjords featuring dramatic coastlines, Drangajökull glacier, Ísafjörður fjord, and Dynjandi waterfall, with three scenic landings and packed lunch, priced at 499,900 ISK per person. Designed for travelers seeking Iceland's most remote peninsula.
• Private Volcanoes & Glaciers 2–2.5 hour private helicopter tour for up to 5 persons over Þórsmörk Nature Reserve with a landing on Fimmvörðuháls volcanic crater and views of Eyjafjallajökull, black lava sand beaches, Hengill geothermal area, Hekla volcano, and Westman Islands, priced at 851,950 ISK per tour. Designed for private groups and VIP travelers.
• Private Tours 1–1.5 hour customizable VIP private helicopter tour for 1 to 5/6 persons, priced at 258,800 ISK per person, including photography tours over Reykjavik, remote locations, or private dinners at country lodges. Designed for high-end travelers and VIP customers seeking bespoke experiences.
• Heli-Quad Safari 3–3.5 hour combo tour combining ATV/quad biking through Reykjavik's outback to Hafrafell mountain with a scenic helicopter flight over Reykjavik and mountain summit landing, priced at 72,500 ISK per person. Partner-operated with Safari Quads.
• Heli-Snowmobiling 6–7 hour combo tour combining a Golden Circle helicopter landing on Langjökull glacier with a one-hour snowmobile tour across the glacier, returning via super jeep, priced at 219,900 ISK per person. Partner-operated with Mountaineers of Iceland.
• Heli-Biking From 3 hour combo tour combining helicopter flight with mountain biking trails including Craters Lake, Tectonic, or Raven routes in partnership with Ice Bike Adventures, priced from 85,000 ISK per person. Designed for adventure travelers.
• Heli-Volcano Caving 2–2.5 hour helicopter transfer to Þríhnúkagígur dormant volcano with a 120-meter descent into the magma chamber for exploration, priced at 388,000 ISK per tour (transfer only, available May 15 – October 15). Designed for travelers seeking a unique geological adventure.
• Heli-Hops for Groups From 15 minute alternating helicopter flight and driving group tour covering scenic routes including Golden Circle, South Shore, and Reykjanes, with optional quad/buggy car activities, priced from 26,900 ISK per person. Designed for corporate events, incentive travel, and team-building activities.
• Film and Photography Aerial Services Year-round professional aerial filming and photography services for Hollywood and international film productions, TV series, documentaries, music videos, and automotive commercials, including aircraft with photo door configurations. Trusted by productions including James Bond (Die Another Day), Batman Begins, Prometheus, Interstellar, Star Wars (2015), Blade Runner 2049, Justice League, Fast & Furious 8, The Witcher, Game of Thrones, Top Gear, and commercials for Alfa Romeo, Porsche, Audi, Mercedes, BMW, and others. Targeted at film studios, production companies, and brands.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,500 travelers rated Norðurflug 5 stars on TripAdvisor, consistently ranking among top activities in Iceland
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Safari QuadscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Heli-Quad Safari combo tour. Provides ATV/quad bike rides through Reykjavik's outback including Lake Hafravatn and Hafrafell Mountain. Includes hotel pickup between 9:00-9:30am, equipment (helmets, gloves, balaclavas, overalls), and guided tour.
• Mountaineers of IcelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Heli-Snowmobiling combo tour to Langjökull glacier. Provides one-hour snowmobile tour across endless white snowfields. Includes super jeep return to Reykjavik through Golden Circle areas.
• Ice Bike AdventurescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst company in Iceland to offer heli-biking trips. Partnership provides three biking options (Craters Lake, Tectonic, Raven tours) combined with helicopter flights. Bike tours available as part of Essential Iceland, Geothermal, or Countless helicopter tours.
• Hotel RangáminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel pickup location for helicopter tours on the route between Reykjavik and volcano areas, approximately 95 km from city center. No additional cost when on tour route. Previously used for 10 daily departures during 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption.
• Ion HotelminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel pickup location for helicopter tours on specified routes at no additional cost when on tour route.
• Grímsborgir HotelminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel pickup location for helicopter tours on specified routes at no additional cost when on tour route.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Mýflug Air: Icelandic helicopter operator based in Mývatn offering scenic aerial tours, private charters, and aerial work across northern and eastern Iceland. Closest direct competitor to Nordurflug in sightseeing helicopter tours in Iceland, with overlapping aircraft types and customer base.
• Blue Hawaiian Helicopters: Largest scenic helicopter tour operator in Hawaii, operating a comparable fleet of sightseeing-configured helicopters (including EC130-class aircraft) with a similar mix of sightseeing tours, private charters, and combo experiences for tourists. The closest international analogue to Nordurflug's business model.
• Maverick Helicopters: Leading Las Vegas / Grand Canyon helicopter tour operator offering scenic flights, VIP charters, and combo tours (landing, dining, rafting experiences). Highly comparable business model: sightseeing + private charters + combo experiences via a sightseeing-configured fleet.
• Heli Iceland (Atlantic Air): Icelandic helicopter tour company operating out of Reykjavik Domestic Airport, offering sightseeing tours and private charters with a similar fleet profile. Direct competitor in the same Reykjavik-based helicopter sightseeing market.
• Reykjavik Helicopters: Reykjavik-based helicopter tour operator offering sightseeing experiences and private flights across Iceland. Direct competitor with overlapping routes, fleet profile, and customer segments.
• Eagle Air Iceland: One of Iceland's longest-established aviation operators offering scheduled flights, sightseeing tours, and charter services. Comparable as a peer in Icelandic aerial sightseeing and charter services, though broader in scope including fixed-wing operations.

Broad incumbents

• Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters: Established U.S. helicopter tour company operating Grand Canyon and Las Vegas tours, plus broader charter services. Comparable aerial sightseeing and charter business model, though larger and more diversified geographically.
• Air Iceland (Icelandair Group): Icelandic regional airline and tour operator (part of Icelandair Group) offering domestic flights and inbound tour packages. Comparable in serving inbound tourists to Iceland, though via scheduled fixed-wing services rather than helicopters.
• Reykjavík Excursions: Iceland's largest ground-based tour operator offering coach and activity tours across Iceland. Comparable as a broader Iceland tour operator targeting the same FIT and group traveler customer base, though competing mainly via ground transportation rather than helicopters.

Others

• GetYourGuide: Global online tour and activity aggregator where helicopter tours like Nordurflug's are commonly listed and sold. Not a direct competitor but a critical distribution channel and benchmark for tourism experiences competing for the same tourist wallet.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/helicoptericeland
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nordurflug-helicopter-tours

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Nordurflug Helicopter Tours