Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Iceland is served by a wide mix of airlines from North America and Europe, but the best option depends on your departure city, travel dates, baggage needs, and whether you want a nonstop flight or a connection. Most international passengers arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), not Reykjavík Airport.
Flight schedules to Iceland change significantly by season. The airline and route information below was last verified on July 26, 2026, but travelers should still confirm their exact dates with the operating airline before buying a ticket.
Quick Answer
Most international travelers fly to Keflavík International Airport (KEF). Icelandair has the broadest Iceland-focused network, while Delta, United, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, Air Transat, WestJet, and several European carriers offer nonstop service on selected routes. American Airlines currently sells connecting itineraries rather than operating listed nonstop service to KEF.
Key Takeaways
- Icelandair is usually the most flexible option for Iceland-focused trips and transatlantic stopovers.
- Delta’s verified summer 2026 nonstop gateways are New York-JFK, Detroit, and Minneapolis.
- United serves Newark, Chicago, and Washington Dulles during its summer 2026 schedule.
- Alaska Airlines offers seasonal Seattle service, while several Canadian and European airlines also fly nonstop to KEF.
- American Airlines sells Iceland itineraries, but travelers should check the connection and the airline named beside “operated by.”
Which Airlines Fly to Iceland in 2026?
The current Keflavík Airport airline directory lists a broad mix of Icelandic, North American, and European carriers. Not every airline serves every route year-round, and some operate only a few flights per week.
Major airlines operating at KEF include:
- Iceland-based carrier: Icelandair
- United States carriers: Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines
- Canadian carriers: Air Canada, Air Transat, and WestJet
- United Kingdom and European carriers: British Airways, easyJet, SAS, Norwegian, Finnair, Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, Vueling, Wizz Air, Transavia, Discover Airlines, Iberia Express, Edelweiss, Jet2, and others
During the peak summer months of 2026, KEF reported service by 28 airlines to 79 destinations. The exact network changes between summer and winter.
Note: An airline may sell a ticket to Iceland without operating the aircraft that lands at KEF. Always check the connection details and the “operated by” label before booking.
Delta Air Lines: Seasonal Nonstop Flights to Iceland
Delta Air Lines offers nonstop service to Keflavík during its seasonal transatlantic schedule. According to KEF’s summer 2026 route information, Delta serves Iceland from New York-JFK, Detroit, and Minneapolis–Saint Paul.
Frequency depends on the city and travel date. Detroit was scheduled daily during the peak summer period, while the Minneapolis season was extended. Travelers from Atlanta and other Delta cities can still book connecting itineraries through one of Delta’s nonstop gateways, but that does not make the entire trip nonstop.
Delta can be a practical choice for travelers who already use SkyMiles or who can connect conveniently through JFK, Detroit, or Minneapolis. However, baggage, seat-selection, mileage-earning, and change rules depend on the fare purchased. Review the current conditions on Delta’s Reykjavík flight page before paying.
Icelandair: Iceland’s National Carrier and Stopover Specialist
Icelandair is the country’s main international carrier and operates an extensive network linking Iceland with cities in North America and Europe. Its schedule is designed around connections through KEF, making it useful for travelers visiting Iceland as well as passengers continuing across the Atlantic.
A major advantage is the Icelandair Stopover. Eligible transatlantic passengers can add a stay in Iceland for one to seven days without an additional stopover airfare charge. Accommodation, meals, tours, airport transfers, and other ground costs are not included. The total ticket price can also change when different travel dates have different fares.
Icelandair’s standard Economy service should not be confused with an all-inclusive meal service. Water, coffee, tea, and in-flight entertainment are generally complimentary, but adult Economy passengers normally purchase or pre-purchase meals and many snacks. Fare type also matters: Economy Light does not include a checked bag, while Economy Standard and Economy Flex generally include one checked bag.
Pro Tip: Compare Icelandair’s Economy Light and Economy Standard totals after adding checked baggage, seat selection, and meals. The lowest displayed fare is not always the lowest final trip cost.
American Airlines: Connecting Itineraries to Iceland
| Booking detail | What it means for an Iceland trip |
|---|---|
| Tickets sold on AA.com | American sells itineraries from numerous U.S. cities to KEF. |
| Current KEF operating-airline list | American Airlines is not listed as an airline currently operating its own KEF flights. |
| Likely trip structure | One or more connections, with at least one segment potentially operated by a partner airline. |
| What to check | Operating carrier, connection airport, baggage transfer, terminal changes, fare rules, and overnight layovers. |
American Airlines’ website advertises Iceland itineraries from cities such as Dallas, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Austin, and San Francisco. This does not mean that American operates a nonstop aircraft from each city to Iceland.
Codeshare and partner itineraries allow American to sell seats that include flights operated by another airline. The operating carrier controls many practical parts of the journey, including check-in, onboard service, baggage rules, and disruption handling.
American may still be worthwhile for travelers who value AAdvantage benefits or who find a convenient one-ticket connection. Before booking, expand the complete itinerary and read the carrier name beside every segment. American explains the distinction on its codeshare information page.
Other Airlines Offering Nonstop Flights to Iceland
United Airlines
United’s summer 2026 Iceland network includes Newark, Chicago O’Hare, and Washington Dulles. The Washington route launched in May 2026 and was scheduled to operate daily through September. These routes are useful for travelers who can connect through United’s eastern and central U.S. hubs.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines launched daily seasonal service between Seattle and KEF on May 29, 2026. It provides a new nonstop option for travelers in the Pacific Northwest and passengers connecting through Seattle.
Air Canada, Air Transat, and WestJet
Canadian travelers have several seasonal choices. Air Canada serves routes such as Toronto and Montréal, Air Transat operates summer service from Montréal, and WestJet provides selected western Canadian routes. Availability and weekly frequency vary by season.
European Full-Service and Low-Cost Airlines
Travelers from Europe can choose from full-service, leisure, and low-cost carriers. Current examples include British Airways, SAS, Finnair, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, easyJet, Norwegian, Wizz Air, Vueling, Transavia, LOT Polish Airlines, Eurowings, and Jet2.
Low-cost tickets can be attractive for travelers with limited luggage, but the displayed fare may exclude a full-size carry-on, checked baggage, seat selection, food, and flexible changes. Compare the final checkout price rather than the first fare shown.
Choosing the Right Airline for Your Iceland Adventure
The best airline is the one that provides the most useful combination of schedule, total price, baggage allowance, connection quality, and protection during disruptions.
- Best for an Iceland stopover: Icelandair
- Best for a Delta loyalist: Delta through JFK, Detroit, or Minneapolis during the operating season
- Best for a United loyalist: United through Newark, Chicago, or Washington Dulles during the summer schedule
- Best current West Coast nonstop: Alaska Airlines from Seattle during its seasonal schedule
- Best for an AAdvantage traveler: An American-marketed connecting itinerary, after checking the operating carrier
- Best for a light-packing European traveler: A low-cost carrier after adding all required baggage and seat fees
Compare the following before choosing:
- Total travel time: Include connection and airport-transfer time, not just time in the air.
- Operating carrier: Identify which airline flies each segment.
- Seasonality: Confirm that the nonstop operates on both your departure and return dates.
- Baggage: Check carry-on weight, personal-item size, checked-bag allowance, and fees.
- Fare restrictions: Compare change, cancellation, seat-selection, and mileage-earning rules.
- Connection protection: A single-ticket itinerary is normally safer than separate self-transfer tickets when delays occur.
Know the Airport: KEF Is Not Reykjavík Airport
Most international visitors arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It is about 50 kilometers from central Reykjavík.
Reykjavík Airport (RKV) is a separate airport close to the city center. It is used mainly for domestic Icelandic flights and selected regional services. A passenger connecting from an international KEF arrival to a domestic RKV departure must travel between the two airports and allow a substantial buffer.
Transportation from KEF includes airport coaches, public buses, rental cars, and taxis. The official KEF transportation guide provides current options.
Note: Do not book a tight connection between KEF and RKV as though they were terminals in the same airport. The transfer requires a road journey, baggage collection, and a separate check-in process.
Exploring Iceland’s Top Destinations
Once you arrive, the Golden Circle is one of the most accessible introductions to Iceland. Its best-known stops include Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.
Þingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Alþing open-air assembly was established in 930. The landscape also displays dramatic fissures and rift-valley geology.
Along the South Coast, travelers can visit Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara’s black-sand shoreline, and the area around Vík. Farther east are glacier lagoons, glacial landscapes, and access points for professionally guided activities.
The Blue Lagoon is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula near KEF. Reservations are normally needed, and access can be affected by local road restrictions or volcanic conditions. Check the attraction’s operating status and official travel alerts shortly before visiting.
Warning: Do not enter a glacier, ice cave, recent lava field, or closed area without appropriate local guidance. Conditions can change rapidly. Check Safetravel Iceland for current alerts before outdoor activities.
Tips for Traveling to Iceland
Icelandic weather can change quickly, including during summer. Pack layers, a waterproof outer layer, supportive footwear, and warm accessories. Check the weather and road forecast each day rather than relying on the forecast from the start of your trip.
Renting a car gives you flexibility, but it also creates responsibility for monitoring wind, snow, ice, visibility, gravel roads, and closures. Use the official Icelandic road-condition service and Safetravel before setting out.
Some Highland and F-roads require a suitable four-wheel-drive vehicle and may be inaccessible outside their opening season. Never drive onto a road that your rental agreement excludes.
Guided tours can be a better choice for travelers who do not want to drive in unfamiliar conditions. They also provide access to activities such as glacier hiking and ice-cave visits that should not be attempted independently.
Mobile coverage is strong in many populated areas, but it can weaken in remote regions. Download offline maps, keep a charged power bank, and share your route with someone you trust.
For greater comfort on the flight, especially when connecting from a distant city, see this guide to the best travel pillows for long flights.
Making the Most of Your Icelandic Adventure
A successful Iceland trip begins with choosing the correct route, not simply the most familiar airline name. Icelandair is a strong option for broad Iceland connectivity and stopovers. Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines provide useful U.S. nonstop routes during selected seasons, while Canadian and European carriers expand the available choices.
American Airlines can still provide a convenient single-ticket itinerary, but its current listings should not be described as American-operated nonstop service without checking the individual flight segments.
After booking, review your fare inclusions, reserve the airport transfer, and monitor both the flight schedule and local travel conditions. Building flexibility into the itinerary is especially valuable in a country where weather, road access, and outdoor conditions can change rapidly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines fly to Iceland?
Airlines currently operating at KEF include Icelandair, Delta, United, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, Air Transat, WestJet, British Airways, easyJet, SAS, Norwegian, Finnair, Lufthansa, Wizz Air, Vueling, Transavia, LOT Polish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, and several other European carriers. Routes and schedules vary by season.
Which airlines offer nonstop U.S. flights to Iceland?
Icelandair serves numerous U.S. gateways. Delta’s verified summer 2026 routes include New York-JFK, Detroit, and Minneapolis. United serves Newark, Chicago, and Washington Dulles during its summer schedule, while Alaska Airlines operates seasonal Seattle service.
Does American Airlines fly nonstop to Iceland?
American Airlines sells itineraries to KEF, but it is not listed as a current operating airline at Keflavík Airport as of July 26, 2026. Many American-marketed options involve a connection or a flight operated by a partner airline.
Are there budget airlines that fly to Iceland?
Yes. Depending on the departure city and season, options may include easyJet, Norwegian, Wizz Air, Transavia, Vueling, and other leisure or low-cost carriers. Compare the final price after adding baggage, seats, meals, and payment fees.
Do all airlines fly to Iceland year-round?
No. Many North American and European routes operate only in summer, winter, or on selected days of the week. Confirm that the route operates on both legs of your trip before relying on a nonstop itinerary.
Which airport should I select when flying to Iceland?
Most international travelers should select Keflavík International Airport, code KEF. Reykjavík Airport, code RKV, is a separate airport used mainly for domestic and regional flights.
Is the Icelandair stopover completely free?
The eligible stopover does not add a separate stopover airfare charge, but accommodation, food, tours, transfers, and other expenses are not included. Choosing different dates can also change the total fare.
How can I confirm whether a flight is really nonstop?
Read the complete itinerary and look for zero stops, a single flight number, and the airline named beside “operated by.” A ticket sold by one airline may contain a connecting flight operated by another carrier.
Sources
- Keflavík Airport: Airlines Operating from KEF — current operating-airline list
- Keflavík Airport: Summer 2026 Routes — current airlines, destinations, and seasonal route changes
- Delta Air Lines: Flights to Reykjavík — Delta booking and fare information
- Icelandair Stopover — stopover eligibility, length, and airfare conditions
- American Airlines: Codeshare Flights — operating-carrier and marketing-carrier distinctions
- Safetravel Iceland — official alerts and guidance for weather, roads, glaciers, and outdoor travel