Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Iceland is connected to North America, Europe, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands by a wide range of network, leisure, and low-cost airlines. Most international visitors arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), not Reykjavík Airport. Because many routes operate only during summer, the airline available for your trip depends heavily on your departure city and travel dates.
Quick Answer
Airlines flying to Iceland include Icelandair, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Air Transat, WestJet, British Airways, easyJet, Lufthansa, Finnair, SAS, Norwegian, Wizz Air, and several other European carriers. Most international flights use Keflavík Airport, and many routes are seasonal.
Key Takeaways
- Keflavík International Airport handles the great majority of scheduled international flights to Iceland.
- Icelandair has the broadest Iceland-based network and offers transatlantic stopovers on eligible itineraries.
- Delta, United, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, Air Transat, and WestJet provide additional North American options, mostly during the warmer months.
- European travelers can choose from full-service, leisure, and low-cost airlines, including British Airways, easyJet, Lufthansa, SAS, Norwegian, and Wizz Air.
- WOW air ceased operations in 2019, and PLAY ceased operations in 2025. Neither airline can be booked today.
- Always compare the final price after baggage, seat selection, food, and connection costs.
Which Airlines Fly to Iceland in 2026?
Keflavík Airport’s official airline directory lists carriers from North America, Europe, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. The exact operating list changes by season, and some charter or leisure airlines fly only on selected dates. The airport reported that 28 airlines would serve 79 destinations during summer 2026.
The following table groups many of the airlines currently listed by Keflavík Airport. It is not a promise that every airline will operate on every date, so confirm the schedule before arranging hotels, rental cars, or connecting transportation.
| Region or service type | Airlines serving KEF | What travelers should know |
|---|---|---|
| North America | Icelandair, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Air Transat, and WestJet | Several routes operate mainly from late spring through early fall. Icelandair maintains the broadest year-round North American network. |
| United Kingdom and Ireland | Icelandair, British Airways, easyJet, and Jet2 | London has some of the most frequent service, while regional airport routes may be seasonal. |
| Continental Europe | airBaltic, Austrian Airlines, Discover Airlines, Edelweiss, Eurowings, Finnair, Iberia Express, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Norwegian, SAS, Transavia, Vueling, and Wizz Air | Options range from network airlines to low-cost carriers. Cabin-bag and checked-bag rules can differ sharply. |
| Regional, leisure, and charter | Air Greenland, Atlantic Airways, Enter Air, Neos, Smartwings, and TUI | These services may operate on limited days, as part of vacation packages, or only during peak travel periods. |
For the most current operator list, check the official Keflavík Airport airline directory. A carrier appearing in the directory does not necessarily mean that it serves your city or operates year-round.
Keflavík Airport reported 28 airlines and 79 destinations for summer 2026, but many of those routes remain seasonal.
Which Airport in Iceland Will You Fly Into?
Most international airline passengers arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF). KEF is on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 50 kilometers from central Reykjavík. It is the airport used by Icelandair’s transatlantic network and by the major North American and European airlines discussed in this guide.
Reykjavík Airport (RKV) is a separate airport close to the city center. It is used mainly for domestic flights and some regional international services. A passenger connecting from an international arrival at KEF to a domestic departure from RKV must travel between two different airports and allow enough time for baggage collection, road transportation, and a new check-in.
Akureyri and Egilsstaðir are also designated international airports, but their international schedules are much smaller and less consistent than KEF’s. Unless a booking clearly identifies another airport, an international flight advertised as going to Reykjavík will normally use KEF.
Warning: Do not assume KEF and RKV are interchangeable. A connection between them requires a ground transfer and is not a simple walk between terminals.
Delta Air Lines Routes and Services to Iceland
Delta Air Lines operates seasonal nonstop service between Keflavík and selected U.S. gateways. For summer 2026, the confirmed Delta routes connect KEF with New York-JFK, Detroit, and Minneapolis-St. Paul. Detroit service increased to daily operation, while the Minneapolis season was extended.
These gateways also give travelers from other U.S. cities access to Iceland through a single Delta connection. However, the transatlantic segment remains seasonal, and the start and end dates may differ by route.
Delta offers several fare and cabin choices, but the exact seat, meal service, baggage allowance, and entertainment setup can depend on the fare purchased and aircraft assigned. Travelers considering a premium cabin should review the seat map for the specific flight rather than assuming that every aircraft has the same seat design.
Delta’s SkyMiles program may appeal to frequent Delta flyers, especially those connecting from another Delta-operated U.S. flight. Before booking, compare the nonstop or one-stop itinerary with Icelandair, United, and other carriers serving the same region.
Note: Delta markets Reykjavík trips using airport code KEF, even though Keflavík Airport is outside central Reykjavík. Current availability can be checked on Delta’s official Reykjavík flight page.
Icelandair: History, Fleet, and Stopover Program
Icelandair’s history began in 1937 with an airline named Flugfélag Akureyrar. The company moved to Reykjavík and became Flugfélag Íslands in 1940. Its operations later developed into the airline now known internationally as Icelandair.
Iceland’s location between Europe and North America supports Icelandair’s connecting network. Travelers can fly to Iceland as their final destination or connect through KEF between the two continents.
Icelandair’s Current Fleet
Icelandair is moving from a mostly Boeing fleet toward a mixed Boeing and Airbus operation. Its fleet includes Airbus A321LR, Boeing 737 MAX, Boeing 757, and Boeing 767 aircraft. De Havilland Canada aircraft serve domestic routes and selected services to Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
The first Airbus A321LR joined the fleet in December 2024. The newer Airbus aircraft are part of a longer-term renewal plan that will gradually replace the airline’s aging Boeing 757s. Because several aircraft types remain in service, cabin layouts and seat features can vary.
See Icelandair’s official fleet page for its current aircraft types and seat maps.
How the Icelandair Stopover Works
On eligible transatlantic itineraries, Icelandair allows passengers to add a stay in Iceland without an additional stopover airfare charge. Most fares permit a stopover of up to seven nights through the airline’s normal booking system.
The offer covers the flight itinerary, not the traveler’s hotel, meals, local transportation, tours, or other expenses in Iceland. The final ticket price can also change when different travel dates have different fare availability.
Pro Tip: Use Icelandair’s “Stopover in Iceland” booking option from the beginning. Adding a stopover after ticketing may involve a change fee or fare difference.
Full conditions are available on the official Icelandair Stopover page.
What Happened to WOW air and PLAY?
WOW air helped make low-cost transatlantic travel through Iceland widely known after launching in 2012. Its model used low base fares with additional charges for baggage, seat selection, meals, and other optional services.
However, WOW air ceased operations on March 28, 2019. It no longer sells tickets or operates flights to Iceland.
PLAY later entered the market with a similar low-cost approach and operated routes between Iceland, Europe, and North America. PLAY also ceased all operations, on September 29, 2025. Travelers should therefore disregard old booking guides, route maps, or fare advertisements for either airline.
Warning: Websites, social posts, and older articles may still describe WOW air or PLAY as active. Neither airline is a current travel option.
Budget-conscious travelers can still find low-cost flights from parts of Europe through airlines such as easyJet and Wizz Air. Norwegian and several leisure airlines may also offer competitive fares. North American travelers generally choose among Icelandair, Delta, United, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Air Transat, and WestJet rather than an Iceland-based ultra-low-cost carrier.
Comparison of Airlines and Fare Styles
The cheapest advertised fare is not always the least expensive final itinerary. Compare the cost after adding every service you expect to use.
| Airline type or example | Best suited to | Check before paying |
|---|---|---|
| Icelandair | Travelers seeking broad Iceland access, transatlantic connections, or an Iceland stopover | Fare-family baggage allowance, meal costs, stopover dates, aircraft type, and connection time |
| Delta Air Lines | SkyMiles members and travelers connecting through JFK, Detroit, or Minneapolis | Season dates, assigned aircraft, cabin layout, fare restrictions, and checked-bag fees |
| United Airlines | Star Alliance travelers and passengers connecting through Newark, Chicago, or Washington-Dulles | Seasonal operating dates, fare inclusions, aircraft, and connection protection |
| Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Air Transat, and WestJet | Travelers near their Canadian or U.S. gateway cities | Limited operating days, season length, onward connections, and baggage rules |
| European low-cost airlines | Travelers with light baggage and flexible dates | Cabin-bag allowance, checked bags, airport choice, seat fees, food, and change restrictions |
| European network airlines | Travelers connecting through major European hubs or using alliance benefits | Connection length, fare family, lounge eligibility, baggage, and whether both flights share one ticket |
Low-cost fares can be excellent value for passengers traveling with only a small personal item. A network-airline fare may offer better overall value when a checked bag, seat assignment, flexible changes, or a protected connection is needed.
Choosing an Airline Based on Your Departure Region
From the United States
Icelandair serves numerous U.S. gateways, with some operating year-round and others seasonally. Delta’s summer 2026 gateways are New York-JFK, Detroit, and Minneapolis. United serves Newark and Chicago and added Washington-Dulles for summer 2026. Alaska Airlines introduced Seattle service in 2026.
A nonstop flight is usually the simplest choice, but a one-stop itinerary may cost less or provide better travel dates. Compare the full journey time rather than only the departure fare.
From Canada
Icelandair serves selected Canadian cities, while Air Canada operates seasonal Montréal and Toronto service. Air Transat began Montréal service in June 2026. WestJet serves Calgary and added limited summer options from Winnipeg and Edmonton.
Canadian routes can be highly seasonal, so a traveler planning a winter trip may see fewer nonstop choices than a summer traveler.
From the United Kingdom and Europe
Travelers have the widest range of airline styles. Icelandair and major European network airlines provide traditional connecting options, while easyJet, Wizz Air, Norwegian, Transavia, and other lower-cost airlines can offer attractive base fares.
Check which airport the airline uses in cities with multiple airports. A low fare may become less convenient if it requires a distant airport, an overnight connection, or expensive ground transportation.
Tips for Traveling With Airlines Serving Iceland
Confirm That the Flight Is Operating on Your Date
A route described as “summer service” may run for only part of the season or on selected days each week. Check the airline’s booking calendar before committing to nonrefundable accommodation.
Compare the Final Price
Add checked baggage, cabin baggage, seat selection, food, payment fees, and airport transportation before comparing airlines. A higher base fare can sometimes be cheaper after necessary extras are included.
Prefer One Ticket for Connecting Flights
When connecting, a single-ticket itinerary normally offers better protection if the first flight is delayed. Separate tickets may require you to collect baggage, check in again, and purchase a replacement flight if the connection is missed.
Check the Airport Codes
Verify KEF, RKV, and every connecting airport. This is especially important when an itinerary combines an international arrival at Keflavík with a domestic flight from Reykjavík Airport.
Review Baggage Rules for Your Exact Fare
Do not rely on a general airline summary. Basic or light fares may exclude a checked bag, and some low-cost fares may include only a small personal item. Measure and weigh bags before leaving home.
Allow for Weather Disruption
Icelandic weather can affect flights and road travel in any season. Avoid planning a tightly timed tour or long drive immediately after arrival, particularly in winter.
Read Travel-Insurance Exclusions
Travel insurance may help with certain cancellations, delays, medical issues, or missed connections, but coverage varies. Review exclusions for weather, airline insolvency, separate tickets, and pre-existing events before purchasing a policy.
Pack for Changing Conditions
Bring layers and a wind-resistant outer garment even during summer. Conditions can change quickly between the airport, Reykjavík, coastal areas, and higher elevations.
Small grooming items can also make a long travel day more comfortable. This guide to choosing the best travel razor may help when preparing a compact toiletry kit.
What Changed for Iceland Flights in 2026?
Keflavík Airport’s summer 2026 schedule included several notable developments:
- Alaska Airlines introduced daily summer service between Seattle and KEF.
- Air Transat began service between Montréal and KEF in June 2026.
- United Airlines added Washington-Dulles alongside its Newark and Chicago routes.
- Delta Air Lines continued New York, Detroit, and Minneapolis service, increased Detroit to daily flights, and extended the Minneapolis season.
- Air Canada extended the operating seasons for Montréal and Toronto.
- WestJet continued Calgary service and added limited flights from Winnipeg and Edmonton.
- easyJet expanded capacity and added or increased service on several European routes.
- Icelandair continued introducing Airbus A321LR aircraft as part of its fleet-renewal program.
These developments replace the article’s earlier speculative expansion claims with confirmed changes. Future schedules may still be adjusted in response to aircraft availability, demand, and operating conditions.
Choosing the Right Airline for Your Trip to Iceland
The best airline depends on where you live, when you travel, how much baggage you carry, and whether you value a nonstop flight, loyalty benefits, or the lowest possible base fare.
- Choose Icelandair for its broad Iceland network, transatlantic connections, and stopover option.
- Choose Delta or United when their seasonal gateways fit your U.S. travel plans or loyalty status.
- Consider Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, Air Transat, or WestJet when you are near one of their nonstop gateways.
- Compare European low-cost airlines when traveling light and prioritizing price.
- Use a European network airline when alliance benefits or a protected connection through a major hub matters more than the lowest fare.
Check the final cost, airport, operating dates, baggage allowance, aircraft, and connection terms before paying. Airline schedules change frequently, so the official airline and airport websites should always be the final source for a specific trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines fly into Iceland?
Current airlines include Icelandair, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Air Transat, WestJet, British Airways, easyJet, Lufthansa, Finnair, SAS, Norwegian, Wizz Air, and other European, regional, leisure, and charter carriers. The operating list changes by season.
Which airport do international flights to Iceland use?
Most scheduled international flights use Keflavík International Airport, airport code KEF. Reykjavík Airport, code RKV, is a separate city airport used mainly for domestic and limited regional flights.
Does American Airlines fly directly to Iceland?
American Airlines is not listed as a current operating airline at KEF as of July 2026. It may sell connecting or partner itineraries, but travelers seeking a nonstop U.S. flight should check Icelandair, Delta, United, or Alaska Airlines from applicable gateways.
Are there budget airlines flying to Iceland?
Yes. European low-cost options include easyJet and Wizz Air, with additional competitively priced service from airlines such as Norwegian and Transavia. Baggage, seats, and food may cost extra.
Do WOW air or PLAY still fly to Iceland?
No. WOW air ceased operations on March 28, 2019, and PLAY ceased operations on September 29, 2025. Tickets advertised under either airline name are not current scheduled flights.
Do all airlines fly to Iceland year-round?
No. Many North American, European regional, leisure, and charter routes operate only during part of the year. Icelandair maintains many year-round routes, but every itinerary should be checked for the traveler’s exact dates.
Can I stop in Iceland without paying extra airfare?
Icelandair allows an Iceland stopover on eligible transatlantic itineraries without an additional stopover airfare charge. Most fares permit up to seven nights, but accommodation, transportation, meals, activities, and possible fare differences remain the traveler’s responsibility.
Sources
- Keflavík Airport Airline Directory — current airlines operating from KEF.
- Keflavík Airport Summer 2026 Schedule Overview — airline count, destinations, new routes, and service expansions.
- Icelandair History — founding timeline and company development.
- Icelandair Fleet — current aircraft and fleet-renewal information.
- Icelandair Stopover Program — stopover duration, airfare terms, and exclusions.
- Icelandic Transport Authority: PLAY Ceases Operations — official confirmation of PLAY’s September 2025 closure.