Icelandair Confirms Miami as Its Newest North American Destination

Icelandair has officially announced Miami as its newest destination, confirming our previous report that the airline intended to launch flights to South Florida.

The new service will operate three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—beginning October 25, 2025, and continuing through March.

Photo: Courtesy of Miami International Airport

The route, as previously noted, will be flown on Icelandair’s brand-new Airbus A321LR aircraft, with an approximate flying time of eight hours.

“I applaud Icelandair for deciding to expand into South Florida with nonstop Reykjavik service at MIA, which will soon give our residents direct access to the majestic natural beauty of Iceland,” celebrated Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “We look forward to giving Icelandair and their passengers from across Europe a warm welcome to Miami-Dade County.”

Icelandair’s arrival in Miami further enriches the airport’s diverse portfolio of airlines, establishing it as one of the world’s most varied airports in terms of domestic, international, regular, and charter operators.

A Growing U.S. Footprint

The addition of Miami marks Icelandair’s continued growth in North America. The airline has steadily expanded its presence in the U.S. over the years, now serving 19 destinations across the continent.

In Florida, Icelandair has historically operated direct flights to Orlando, a popular vacation spot for Icelanders. With Miami now added as a second gateway to the state, the airline strengthens its position in the region and caters to both leisure and business travelers.

Photo: Icelandair, first Airbus A321LR. Courtesy of Airbus SAS

“Miami will fit well into our route network, with convenient connections via Iceland to our 34 destinations in Europe,” said Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair’s President and CEO. “With the new long-range and fuel-efficient Airbus aircraft, we are able to add new and exciting destinations, and Miami is a great addition. Welcome aboard, Miami!”

The airline’s U.S. network includes key cities such as New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), and Seattle (SEA). Recent expansions also include the addition of Nashville, further solidifying Icelandair’s strategy of connecting the U.S. to Europe via its Reykjavik hub. The airline’s transatlantic model offers travelers the opportunity to explore Iceland as a stopover before continuing to their final destination.

What Passengers Can Expect on the A321LR

Icelandair’s choice of the Airbus A321LR for the Miami route is a notable shift for the carrier, which has historically relied on Boeing aircraft. The A321LR is a long-range variant of the A321neo, offering greater fuel efficiency and the ability to operate long-haul routes with lower costs. This aircraft type will be crucial in Icelandair’s modernization efforts, gradually replacing the older Boeing 757s.

Photo: Courtesy of Icelandair

With 187 seats—22 in business class and 165 in economy—the A321LR will provide a comfortable travel experience. Up front, business class passengers can expect spacious recliner-style seats with enhanced legroom and service, while economy passengers benefit from a refreshed cabin design, larger overhead bins, and improved fuel efficiency, contributing to a quieter and more environmentally friendly flight.

Photo: Saga Class, Boeing 737 MAX 8. Courtesy of Icelandair

Icelandair’s business model also includes competitive transatlantic fares, making it an attractive option for travelers looking for affordable, convenient flights between North America and Europe. The airline offers stopover programs in Iceland, allowing passengers to explore the country for up to seven days at no additional airfare cost.

Partnership with Southwest Expands Connectivity

As part of Icelandair’s growing presence across the U.S., the airline recently partnered with Southwest Airlines, offering travelers greater access to European destinations via Reykjavik.

This agreement allows Southwest passengers to seamlessly book itineraries that include flights on both airlines, providing smoother transitions between Southwest’s extensive domestic network and Icelandair’s transatlantic services.

Photo: Courtesy of Icelandair

Through partnerships like this, Miami could also see future collaboration with Southwest if the new route proves successful. The potential for additional connectivity would make it even easier for passengers from across the U.S. to reach Iceland and beyond, further cementing Miami’s role as a key gateway in Icelandair’s North American network.

Strategic Expansion

The confirmation of the Miami route underlines Icelandair’s commitment to expanding its long-haul offerings and adapting to market demand. Miami’s strategic location as a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean and its strong appeal as a tourist and business hub make it a logical addition to Icelandair’s network.

As ticket sales for the Miami route open in the coming months, industry analysts expect strong demand. With Icelandair’s expanding U.S. presence and the efficiency of the A321LR, the airline is well-positioned to strengthen its role in the transatlantic travel market while offering passengers new opportunities to explore Iceland and beyond.

Photo: Courtesy of Miami International Airport

Miami’s addition to the network signifies a strong vote of confidence in the market’s potential. With its vibrant tourism industry, thriving business sector, and connections to Latin America, Miami is well-positioned to support long-term growth for Icelandair.

With ticket sales expected to open soon, Icelandair’s Miami service offers yet another convenient way for U.S. travelers to access Iceland’s stunning landscapes and connect to Europe with a unique stopover experience. The airline’s strategic expansion and new aircraft fleet make it an increasingly competitive player in the transatlantic travel market.