Best Airlines That Fly to Iceland in 2026

Quick Picks:

• Best overall network: Icelandair

• Best budget option (Europe): Wizz Air (if traveling with a small bag only)

• Best US full-service options: Delta, United, American (often seasonal)

• New for summer 2026: Alaska Airlines (Seattle), Air Transat (Montreal)

• Main arrival airport: Keflavík International Airport (KEF)

Flight routes to Iceland can change with the season, so it’s always worth confirming the current schedule before you book. This guide compares the main airlines flying to Iceland, where they depart from, and what to consider before choosing.

The following are examples of strong airline options, not guarantees of year-round service. Some are direct routes, while others are one-stop options through major hubs.

Your choice comes down to where you're flying from and when. From North America, Icelandair and Delta offer the most direct flights to Iceland year-round. From Europe, the options are wider in summer but thin out in winter. Budget carriers like Wizz Air cover shorter European routes but typically don't include checked bags. If you're flexible with dates, midweek departures and shoulder-season fares can significantly reduce the price.

A direct flight to Iceland from USA is usually worth it if your Iceland trip is short, you’re arriving late, or you want the least complicated travel day. Icelandair has the broadest nonstop coverage to Keflavík from North America, while other carriers add selected routes, many of them seasonal rather than year-round. That means the best option is not just “whatever is direct,” but the flight that still works once you compare baggage rules, arrival time, and the months it operates. 

Best for: Travelers on shorter trips, families, first-time visitors, and anyone who would rather pay a bit more to avoid a connection, a missed bag, or an extra airport stop. 

Typical strengths: 

• Saves the most time on 4–6 day trips, where losing half a day to a connection matters  

• Lowers the risk of missed onward flights or delayed bags before you even reach Iceland 

• Makes late-night or early-morning arrivals easier to manage, especially if you’re picking up a rental car or heading straight to Reykjavík 

Good to know: 

• The widest choice of direct routes usually appears in summer 

• Canada matters here too. Current nonstop examples include Toronto and Vancouver year-round on Icelandair, with more Canadian service in summer 

• Always compare the real fare, not the lead-in fare. A slightly cheaper ticket can stop being a deal once you add a checked bag, seat selection, or a bad arrival time 

Example routes: JFK–KEF, BOS–KEF, ORD–KEF, MSP–KEF. 

To check which routes operate from your city, use the KEF route map on FlightConnections.

From Europe and the UK, direct flights to Iceland are often easy to find from major cities, but the best-value option depends on how you travel. Icelandair gives you one of the broadest direct networks into Keflavík, while lower-cost carriers such as Wizz Air can work well if you are traveling light and staying flexible on dates. If a direct fare is only slightly higher than a hub connection, choose it to save time both ways. 

Best for: Travelers booking a short Iceland break, leaving from a major European city, or anyone who wants to keep the journey short without turning a 3-hour or 4-hour flight into an all-day travel plan. 

Typical strengths: 

• Plenty of departures from major UK and European cities, especially in peak travel months 

• Better value on short trips, where a connection can waste a big share of your travel time  

• Budget options can be convenient if you are flying with only a small bag and do not care much about seat choice  

• Hub connections should still be considered when your home airport has no direct service or the timings are poor 

Good to know: 

• Summer usually brings the widest choice of direct routes, while some services are less frequent or seasonal outside peak months 

• Icelandair currently serves multiple UK airports, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, so “London” is not precise enough when you are comparing flights 

• Wizz Air’s Iceland service is most attractive when you are flexible and packing light, because its lowest fares are built around a stripped-down base ticket rather than bundled extras  

• Compare the final price before booking. On low-cost fares, cabin bags, checked baggage, seat selection, and airport choice can change the deal completely 

Example routes: LHR–KEF, CPH–KEF, CDG–KEF, FRA–KEF.

Budget airlines are only the cheapest option if you are traveling light and can live without extras. The base fare can look appealing at first, but the savings often shrink once you add a cabin bag, a checked bag, seat selection, or priority boarding. Look up the route first, then compare the final price on the airline’s site before you assume the low-cost option is the better deal. 

Best for: Travelers with flexible dates, short trips, and one small bag who care more about price than seat choice, bundled baggage, or onboard extras. 

Typical strengths: 

• Lowest starting fares on some Europe–Iceland routes  

• Best value when you can travel with only a small bag  

• More useful for travelers who can shift dates to catch the cheapest departures 

Good to know: 

• A budget fare often stops being a bargain once you add both a cabin bag and a checked bag  

• Seat selection and priority boarding matter more if you are traveling as a group and want to sit together  

• Some low-cost routes are seasonal or operate only on certain days, so the cheapest fare may not line up with your trip 

Example routes: LGW–KEF, LTN–KEF, AMS–KEF, BVA–KEF. 

Premium cabins are worth considering if you care about space, rest, and a less tiring travel day more than the lowest fare. For an Iceland trip, that usually matters most on overnight flights, longer journeys from North America, or itineraries where you want to arrive in better shape for a drive, a tour, or a same-day transfer.  

Best for: Travelers on overnight or long-haul flights, travelers celebrating a special trip, and anyone who wants more space and fewer airport hassles built into the fare. 

Typical strengths: 

• More personal space and a better chance of arriving rested  

• Priority check-in, boarding, and sometimes lounge access, depending on the fare  

• More inclusions, such as baggage allowances or flexible change terms, on some premium tickets 

Good to know: 

• Premium cabins are not the same across every route or aircraft, so review the seat layout before booking  

• Lounge access is not automatic on every premium fare, especially on shorter routes  

• The value is usually strongest when the flight is long enough for the extra space and service to matter 

Example routes: JFK–KEF, BOS–KEF, FRA–KEF, CDG–KEF.

Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is Iceland’s main international gateway, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 50 km (31 miles) from central Reykjavík; around 28 international airlines serve it. 

If you’re looking up airlines that fly to Iceland, KEF’s official list is the best place to start. After that, consult the airline’s own website for your dates, because some routes are seasonal and some do not operate every day. Below are some of the main airlines travelers are most likely to compare when flying to Iceland.

Icelandair is Iceland’s flagship airline and the country’s best-known international carrier. It connects Iceland with major cities in North America and Europe through Keflavík.

Best for: Travelers who want direct transatlantic flights, especially if they’d like to turn Iceland into a stopover rather than a layover.

Good to know: 

• Icelandair’s Stopover program lets you add time in Iceland on a transatlantic trip without extra airfare, subject to fare rules. If you decide to use the stopover option, it's easiest to build it into your booking from the start. For ideas on how to make the most of a short stay, see our layover in Iceland guide.

• Look up Icelandair’s schedule tools before booking, especially if you’re comparing multiple city pairs.

Typical routes (examples): JFK–KEF, BOS–KEF, ORD–KEF, LHR–KEF, CPH–KEF, OSL–KEF.

Wizz Air is a Hungarian ultra-low-cost airline with select routes between Iceland and Europe. It can be a good fit for travelers aiming to keep the base fare low and willing to travel light.

Best for: Budget travelers flying from Europe who can pack light and stay flexible with dates. 

Good to know:

• Bags, seat selection, and priority services can all cost extra, so compare the final checkout price, not just the advertised fare.

• Wizz Air’s Iceland service may vary, so it’s worth reviewing the current KEF destination list before you book.

Typical routes (examples): VNO–KEF, WAW–KEF, BUD–KEF, GDN–KEF.

Delta Air Lines is one of the largest major airlines in the United States. For trips to Iceland, it offers service from select US hubs, making it a convenient option for travelers already flying within Delta’s network.

Best for: US travelers who want to earn or use SkyMiles, especially if they’re departing from a Delta hub.

Good to know:

• Delta’s Iceland routes can change by season, so it’s worth confirming availability before booking.

• What’s included depends on the fare type, so check baggage, seat selection, and change or cancellation rules before you book.

• Delta’s own Reykjavik page is the quickest place to confirm current options and fares for your dates. 

Typical routes (examples): JFK–KEF, MSP–KEF, DTW–KEF.

United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the United States. For Iceland, it offers service from several US hubs and can be a practical choice for travelers connecting from elsewhere in North America.

Best for: MileagePlus members and travelers who want easy North American connections in a single booking.

Good to know:

• United serves Keflavík from Newark (EWR) and Chicago (ORD), and added a seasonal Washington Dulles (IAD) route in summer 2026. Some routes operate only on certain days and shift with the seasonal schedule.

• The Washington route is seasonal, so confirm the current dates before booking rather than assuming year-round service.

• Fare rules vary by ticket type, especially in Basic Economy, so look up baggage, seat selection, and change rules before you book.

Typical routes (examples): EWR–KEF, ORD–KEF, IAD–KEF.

American Airlines is the world's largest airline by fleet size and passengers carried, founded in 1926. It stopped flying to Iceland after the 2019 season, when it ended its Dallas-Fort Worth route, so it has had no Keflavík service in recent years. That changes in 2027. 

Best for: AAdvantage members on the US East Coast, and anyone who wants to connect through Philadelphia once the new route begins. 

Good to know: 

• American returns to Iceland on May 27, 2027 with a daily seasonal route from Philadelphia (PHL) to Keflavík (KEF), its first Iceland service since 2019. Flights operate through September on a 196-seat Airbus A321neo, and tickets went on sale in August 2026. 

• Until then, American doesn't sell its own nonstop Keflavík flights. Any Iceland itinerary booked through American before summer 2027 involves a connection with a partner airline. 

• Fare rules depend on the ticket type, so review baggage, seat selection, and change fees before booking. 

Typical route (example): PHL–KEF (from May 27, 2027).

Lufthansa is Germany’s flagship airline and one of Europe’s main network carriers, operating since 1955. For Iceland, it offers direct routes to Keflavík (KEF) from Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC), with onward connections via its wider network. 

Best for: Travelers in Central Europe looking to reach Iceland through a major German hub. 

Good to know: 

• Lufthansa’s Iceland service is centered on Frankfurt and Munich, so most onward connections feed through those two airports.  

• Rail&Fly can be useful if you’re starting elsewhere in Germany, since it lets eligible travelers combine the train trip to the airport with the rest of the booking.  

Typical routes (examples): FRA–KEF, MUC–KEF.

SAS is the main network airline of Scandinavia, serving Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. On Iceland routes, it flies to Reykjavík from or via Copenhagen (CPH), Oslo (OSL), and Stockholm (ARN), making it a handy option for both Scandinavian departures and onward connections through the region. 

Best for: Travelers departing from Scandinavia, or anyone looking for a simple connection through one of SAS’s main Nordic hubs. 

Good to know: 

• SAS sells Reykjavík flights through all three hubs, and most of its destinations run year-round, while some are seasonal.  

• If you’re traveling with children, SAS offers discounts, where infants can travel free or get up to 90% off on lap-infant fares, and children aged 2–11 can receive up to 25% off on eligible bookings. 

Typical routes (examples): CPH–KEF, OSL–KEF, ARN–KEF.

Air France is France’s flag carrier and one of the country’s main international airlines since 1933. It connects Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) with Keflavík (KEF), a practical option for travelers starting in France or connecting through Paris. 

Best for: Travelers in Western Europe who want a straightforward connection through Paris.  

Good to know: 

• Depending on the route and ticket, you may be able to book Premium or Business, which can be a better fit if you’re looking for more comfort than a basic economy fare. 

• Flying Blue members can redeem miles on eligible Air France flights, which is useful if you already collect points with Air France or KLM. 

• Baggage allowance depends on the fare and cabin, so check what’s included before you book 

Typical routes (example): CDG–KEF.

Alaska Airlines began flying to Iceland in 2026 with a daily seasonal route from Seattle (SEA) to Keflavík. It was Alaska's first transatlantic route, on a narrowbody Boeing 737 MAX 8, rather than the widebodies it uses on its Rome and London routes. 

Best for: Pacific Northwest travelers, and Mileage Plan members who want a nonstop to Iceland without connecting through an East Coast hub. 

Good to know: 

• The Seattle route is seasonal, operating from late May into early September, so confirm dates for your travel year. 

• It's a narrowbody service, so the cabin and onboard options differ from a widebody long-haul flight. 

Typical route (example): SEA–KEF (seasonal).

Southwest Airlines doesn't fly to Iceland on its own aircraft, but you can still reach Keflavík on one ticket through its partnership with Icelandair. This interline agreement, Southwest's first with an international airline, lets you book a Southwest flight to a gateway city and connect onto an Icelandair flight to Keflavík. 

Best for: Travelers in Southwest's US network who want a single itinerary to Iceland from a city without a direct route. 

Good to know: 

• Connections are available through six gateways: Baltimore (BWI), Denver (DEN), Nashville (BNA), Orlando (MCO), Pittsburgh (PIT), and Raleigh-Durham (RDU). 

• There's no direct Southwest flight across the Atlantic. Every Iceland itinerary uses an Icelandair-operated leg for the ocean crossing. 

• Rapid Rewards members can earn points on itineraries that include a Southwest-operated segment.

PLAY Airlines ceased operations on September 29, 2025. If you were considering PLAY Airlines, the closest alternatives for traveling to Iceland are Icelandair and, on some European routes, Wizz Air. 

Important note: This guide highlights the main airlines and routes travelers are most likely to compare. For a full list of carriers currently serving Keflavík, use KEF’s official list.

Direct flights to Iceland are not fixed year-round. Some routes operate all year, while others run only in summer or on a few days each week. 

If you’re searching for direct flights to Reykjavík, start by looking for KEF, the code for Keflavík International Airport. Most international flights arrive there, not at Reykjavík Airport in the city. 

To find current routes, start with your home airport, airline, or KEF’s destination list. Then confirm the exact dates on the airline’s booking page.

If you’re looking for direct flights to Iceland from the USA, the list of departure cities changes by season.

Common departure cities (seasonal variations apply):

• New York (JFK and Newark/EWR)
• Boston 
• Chicago 
• Washington, D.C. 
• Minneapolis 
• Seattle (new for summer 2026 on Alaska Airlines)

Summer usually brings the widest choice. If you’re comparing what airlines fly to Iceland from the US, always confirm on the airline’s own schedule.

Canada has several cities with direct flights to Iceland, though not all routes run year-round.

Common departure cities (seasonal variations apply):

• Toronto
• Montreal
• Vancouver

A new option for 2026: Air Transat began a seasonal Montreal (YUL) to Keflavík route, joining Air Canada on that pairing. If you're flying from Ottawa, it's better to expect a connection, usually via Toronto or Montreal, than to plan around a direct route.

The UK is one of the easiest places to find direct flights to Iceland, especially from London. Note the airport code carefully, since “London” can mean more than one airport.

Common departure cities (seasonal variations apply):

• London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, and Stansted, depending on the airline)
• Manchester 
• Glasgow 
• Edinburgh 
• Birmingham

Mainland Europe offers the widest range of direct flights to Iceland. If your city does not have one, a nearby hub often does.

Major direct routes operate from:

• Paris 
• Amsterdam 
• Frankfurt 
• Copenhagen 
• Oslo 
• Stockholm 
• Zurich 
• Milan 
• Rome 
• Warsaw

Check current direct routes from your city using: 

• FlightConnections: best for live direct routes to KEF 

• Keflavík Airport airline list: best for seeing which airlines currently serve KEF 

For almost all international trips, you’ll fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), not Reykjavík Airport. KEF is Iceland’s main international airport, while Reykjavík Airport (RKV) mainly handles domestic flights within Iceland, along with a few regional routes. KEF handled about 8.2 million passengers in 2025, and nearly all international trips to Iceland pass through it.

If you’re researching direct airport routes to Iceland or planning arrival transfers, make sure you’re looking at KEF. Most international visitors land there first, then continue to Reykjavík by bus, rental car, taxi, or a pre-booked transfer.

The confusion usually comes down to the name Reykjavík. RKV is the city airport and is used mostly for domestic flights. If you are booking flights to Iceland from abroad, make sure that your ticket says KEF.

Looking to plan your next step after landing? It helps to know what’s near Keflavík town and how the wider air network works in our guide to Iceland’s airports.

The trip to and from Keflavik usually takes about 45–60 minutes, though hotel drop-offs can take longer than direct terminal-to-city transfers.

Main ways to get to Reykjavík:

• Airport bus: Flybus is the standard shared airport transfer between KEF and Reykjavík. Buses depart 40 minutes after each flight lands, with more frequent service during rush hours. Flybus also offers hotel drop-off on many Reykjavík routes.

• Rental car: A good choice to start a road trip as soon as you land.

• Private transfer: The easiest door-to-door option, especially if you’re arriving late, traveling with a group, or carrying a lot of luggage.

• Taxi: The most flexible option, but usually the most expensive.

Once you’ve arrived and settled in Reykjavík, most trips head in one of three directions:

• Day tours from Reykjavík: a simple way to start exploring right away.

• Self-drive trips: a good fit if you’re planning a longer excursion around the country.

• Northern Lights tours: a popular winter choice for an evening dedicated to aurora hunting.

If you’re deciding what to do next, browse our Reykjavík pickup tours for guided departures from the city, or look into self-drive tours if you’d rather explore at your own pace.

Icelandair has the broadest route network to Keflavík and is the most common choice for travelers flying direct from both North America and Europe. It also offers a stopover program for transatlantic itineraries. The best pick still depends on your departure city, budget, and baggage needs.

Many routes are seasonal. Summer usually offers the widest choice of direct flights, especially from North America, while winter schedules are thinner on some city pairs. For a broader look at how timing changes the trip, see our guide to the best time to visit Iceland.

November is often one of the cheapest months to fly to Keflavík. January can also offer competitive fares, while holiday periods usually push prices up. For tips on making the most of a lower-cost trip, see our guide to Iceland on a budget.

Nearly all international flights use Keflavík International Airport (KEF). Reykjavík Airport (RKV) mainly handles domestic flights and a small number of regional routes.

Yes. If you’re flying transatlantic with Icelandair, you can add a stopover in Iceland for up to seven days at no additional airfare. The total trip cost can still vary depending on your dates and fare conditions, so compare the full itinerary before you book. For ideas on what to do with a short stay, see our layover in Iceland guide.

Yes. Delta sells flights to Keflavík (KEF), and its current route map shows service on some US–KEF routes. It’s a practical option for travelers to earn or use SkyMiles, especially if they’re departing from a Delta hub.

No, Icelandair is not a Star Alliance member. It does have its own airline partnerships, including codeshare agreements and loyalty partnerships with other carriers.

Delta and United fly to Keflavík from several US hubs, with the most choice in summer, and Alaska Airlines added a seasonal Seattle route in 2026. American Airlines returns in 2027 with a seasonal Philadelphia route. The exact mix of cities changes by season and year.

Not right now, but that changes in 2027. American ended its Iceland service after 2019 and currently sells only connecting itineraries to Keflavík. From May 27, 2027, it will operate a daily seasonal nonstop from Philadelphia (PHL) to Keflavík (KEF) through the summer season.

Southwest doesn't operate transatlantic flights, but through its interline partnership with Icelandair you can book a single itinerary that connects onto an Icelandair flight to Keflavík at Baltimore, Denver, Nashville, Orlando, Pittsburgh, or Raleigh-Durham.

A direct flight from Boston to Keflavík is usually around 5 hours and 10 minutes. That makes Boston one of the quicker US departure points for Iceland, though flight time can still shift slightly with wind and scheduling.

For summer travel, booking about 3 to 6 months ahead is a sensible target. Shoulder seasons usually give you a bit more flexibility, but prices can still move quickly on popular direct routes.

Yes, sometimes. Budget airlines can save you money, but only if the final total still looks good after bags, seats, and other extras are added.

Yes, many are. Major North American and European hubs often have year-round service to Keflavík, especially with Icelandair, while routes from smaller or leisure-focused cities run mainly in summer. Summer brings the widest choice of nonstop options.

Yes. PLAY Airlines ceased operations on September 29, 2025, and its flights were canceled after the shutdown. For travelers, the main takeaway is simple: PLAY no longer serves Iceland, so any current route comparison should focus on other airlines instead.

Use a live route map first. FlightConnections’ KEF route map is a good starting point, then confirm the route on the airline’s own booking page before you book. That helps you see whether your city has a direct option or whether you’ll need to connect through a larger hub.