Reykjavík, Iceland – Icelandair has launched a new direct flight route connecting Reykjavík to Istanbul, Türkiye, marking a significant expansion of its international network and offering travelers enhanced connectivity between Europe and Asia.
The inaugural flight departed today, with the airline scheduling two to three weekly departures. The journey spans approximately five hours and 30 minutes, linking Iceland’s capital with one of the world’s most dynamic cultural hubs.
A Gateway Between Regions
For Icelandair, the new route strengthens both its transcontinental reach and its position in a competitive European aviation market. By adding Istanbul—a city renowned for its unique position bridging Europe and Asia—the airline provides passengers with more options for business, leisure, and connecting travel.
The move also reflects rising demand for connections between Iceland and destinations in Asia and the Middle East. With its rich cultural heritage and status as a major transport hub, Istanbul is expected to attract travelers seeking both tourism experiences and onward journeys to international markets.
Strengthened Codeshare With Turkish Airlines
Central to the route launch is an expanded partnership with Turkish Airlines, which leads globally in the number of countries served. The two carriers first entered into a codeshare agreement in summer 2023, and the new Reykjavík–Istanbul service deepens that collaboration.
By enhancing the codeshare, Icelandair customers will now benefit from smoother connections through Istanbul to destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Shorter layovers and broader access to key markets are expected to boost passenger flows and make travel more seamless for both leisure and business travelers.
Industry analysts note that such partnerships allow mid-sized carriers like Icelandair to extend their reach without the need for major fleet or network expansions, leveraging Istanbul’s status as a global aviation crossroads.
Istanbul’s Growing Appeal
Istanbul itself remains a powerful draw for international visitors. The city is home to world-renowned landmarks including the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, which attract millions of tourists annually. Its vibrant markets, historic neighborhoods, and modern infrastructure combine to create a destination where tradition and innovation coexist.
Tourism boards in both Iceland and Türkiye expect the new route to encourage stronger cultural exchange and economic ties, reinforcing Istanbul’s role as both a leisure destination and a springboard for travel deeper into Asia.
CEO: “Thrilled to Launch”
Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair’s President and CEO, emphasized the strategic importance of the new route.
“We’re thrilled to launch our Istanbul route after extensive planning. This service opens new travel opportunities between Iceland and Asia, meeting the rising demand for these connections,” Bogason said.
“By expanding our route network and strengthening our partnership with Turkish Airlines, we aim to connect more customers to exciting destinations while boosting tourism and trade in Iceland.”
Bogason added that the service aligns with Icelandair’s mission of fostering global connectivity and providing passengers with reliable options for long-haul travel.
Boosting Connectivity and Tourism
For Iceland, the benefits may extend beyond aviation. Increased access to Türkiye and Asian markets could stimulate inbound tourism, expand opportunities for trade, and elevate Reykjavík’s status as a northern transport hub.
The route also strengthens Icelandair’s role in global aviation at a time when airlines are reestablishing international connections in response to post-pandemic travel demand. By tapping into Istanbul’s vast network of connections, Icelandair positions itself to capture new traffic flows and diversify its customer base.
Looking Ahead
Passengers now have direct access to Istanbul’s cultural and commercial opportunities, along with improved onward travel options. The airline expects the Reykjavík–Istanbul service to resonate with both tourists eager to explore Türkiye’s largest city and business travelers seeking efficient connections into Asia.
With its strategic location and robust partnership model, Icelandair’s latest expansion signals a commitment to growth while reinforcing the carrier’s long-term ambition: offering more choices to travelers while enhancing Iceland’s place on the global stage.
