The route networks of the two Icelandic competitors Icelandair and WOW air are narrowing down considerably.

The Icelandic budget carrier is radically downsizing its number of destinations in the US as it “returns to its roots”.

As we start a new year, here’s a chance to look back on the ten most read stories on Standby Nordic during 2018.

“This is the most difficult day in the history of WOW air,” the airline’s chief executive Skuli Mogensen admits.

The troubled Icelandic low-cost carrier has started flights to India, but routes in the other direction are suffering.

In the first nine months of the year, WOW air lost $33.6 million, despite a 31% increase in revenues.

Deep-pocketed Arizona-based Indigo Partners has agreed in principle an unspecified WOW air investment.

The Icelandic flag carrier is cancelling its planned purchase of its low-cost competitor at the last minute.

The airport wins for its environmental pioneer spirit, its new terminal and for substantially raising passenger numbers.

The Reykjavík-based carrier says that “a number of external and internal events have worsened significantly”.

Icelandair Group intended to buy its low-cost rival WOW air, but conditions set by a deadline of Friday may not be fulfilled.

In a major consolidation in Iceland’s aviation market, the airlines say that there will be opportunities for synergies ahead.

WOW now connects cities like Copenhagen and Stockholm to Canada’s west coast, via Iceland, but there’s plenty of competition.

The Icelandic low-cost carrier is stopping three newly launched routes, despite the airports claiming they had been popular.

Even before the first flights have started, the Icelandic budget carrier has removed 40% of capacity from January.

Liquidity challenges have forced the airline to suspend payments to Iceland’s airport operator, but funds could be on the way.

The airline’s chief executive describes future potential, but the Icelandic government reportedly has its eye on the company.

The carbon intensity gap between the most and least efficient transatlantic carriers is increasing.

The Icelandic carriers brought 1.2 million people to Iceland last year, and the nationalities of the visitors is changing.

Iceland’s low-cost carrier now flies to fifteen North American destinations via Reykjavik.