Fjarðabyggð opposes planned cuts to flight subsidy scheme

Fjarðabyggð’s town council has strongly opposed planned changes to Loftbrú, a scheme that subsidises domestic air fares, and urged the government to abandon the plans, mbl.is reported.

The council said reducing the subsidies would be an unacceptable attack on living conditions in rural areas and would undermine equal access to services and opportunities regardless of where people live.

Air fares are already a significant burden for residents of East Iceland, the council said. Domestic flights are important for access to education, culture and healthcare, it added.

The council also raised concerns that high travel costs could limit children’s and young people’s participation in sports and youth activities. “Family finances and place of residence should not determine children’s opportunities to participate,” its statement said.

The council called on the government to support continued development in East Iceland by ensuring affordable and reliable transport. It urged officials to drop the planned reduction and work to strengthen Loftbrú in consultation with municipalities and rural residents.