The St. Louis region is about to get a direct link to Reykjavik. Iceland-based WOW air will begin four flights a week between St. Louis Lambert International Airport and Keflavik International Airport in May. From there, passengers can go on to European cities including Berlin, Paris, and London.
The announcement Wednesday is part of an expansion by WOW into four Midwest cities. The others are Detroit, Cleveland and the Cincinnati area, bringing the number of American destinations for the airline to 12. It started U.S. service in Boston slightly more than two years ago.
It has taken a few months to put the local deal together. The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and officials at Lambert have worked closely to land the new flights. The Partnership will support WOW in a marketing plan to promote the service.
St. Louis County is also playing a role in securing the low-cost flights, which will start at $99 for a one-way ticket.
"We made a smart investment through the St. Louis County Port Authority to provide the key incentives to secure these flights," County Executive Steve Stenger said in a statement. He added that WOW provides more options for people throughout the area who want to travel internationally and business people who have interests overseas.
Many local leaders are hoping the flights increase tourism.
"Europe is one of the largest feeder markets for in-bound international tourists to St. Louis," said Explore St. Louis President Kitty Ratcliffe. "Especially travelers from England, France and Germany." She said they come to the region to take in several attractions including the Gateway Arch and the St. Louis Cardinals.
WOW's announcement is continuing some momentum for the airport. Lambert International officials say flights being added this year include service to Cancun, Mexico, and a second daily flight to San Diego.
WOW will begin service to Iceland on May 17, 2018.
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