Icelandair Says Hi to Istanbul: New Flights Launch in 2025
The new route between Reykjavik and Istanbul becomes Icelandair's furthest eastern destination
Photo: Istanbul, Turkey. Courtesy of Engin Yapici / Unsplash
Icelandair has announced Istanbul as the latest addition to its expanding international network, marking a new milestone for the Icelandic carrier.
Starting September 5, Icelandair will operate four weekly flights between its Keflavik (KEF) hub and Istanbul Airport (IST). This launch represents the airline’s furthest eastern destination to date.
The new service will be operated using the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with an estimated flight duration of five hours and thirty minutes.
Photo: Icelandair, Boeing 737 MAX 8. Courtesy of Business Wire
Icelandair’s flights to Istanbul are strategically scheduled to coincide with Turkish Airlines’ extensive network, offering passengers seamless one-stop connections to a wide range of destinations across Asia and the Middle East.
The new route also highlights Icelandair’s focus on increasing connectivity for travelers, who now have the capability of reaching Istanbul from destinations as far as Denver, Portland, or Seattle through the airline’s connecting hub in Reykjavik.
Photo: Turkish Airlines. Courtesy of Samet Dayı / Unsplash
Moreover, the partnership with Turkish Airlines, inked in the summer of 2023, will facilitate streamlined connections and improved travel options for passengers heading to or from Iceland.
“In recent years, we have seen increased interest in travel between Asia and Iceland,” stated Bogi Nils Bogason, President and CEO of Icelandair. “With these new connections, we are further strengthening our sales and distribution network. We are excited to continue reinforcing our route network and connecting to exciting markets for our customers and tourism in Iceland.”
Differentiating Strategy
The new Istanbul route accentuates Icelandair’s commitment to diversifying its offerings beyond recent expansions to North America and Europe.
The carrier recently announced plans to launch direct flights to Nashville, Tennessee, beginning May 16, 2025. This new service will connect passengers from Reykjavík’s main hub to Nashville International Airport (BNA), providing more travel options to this renowned music destination.
Photo: Saga Lounge, Reykjavik. Courtesy of Icelandair
In addition, Icelandair is preparing to introduce its new Airbus A321LR, which is undergoing final testing at the Airbus facility. The aircraft’s debut is set for December 10, marking another step in Icelandair’s efforts to modernize its fleet and broaden its reach.
It is likely that once all the Airbus A321LR/XLR aircraft join the fleet, the new route to Istanbul will change to be operated by this aircraft, which promises to operate at unmatched levels of fuel efficiency for the airline.
Route Details and Schedule
The new Keflavik-Istanbul service covers a distance of 2,562 miles. The eastbound flight (FI900) will take approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, while the return flight (FI901) will last about 5 hours and 55 minutes.
| Flight Number | Route | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| FI900 | Keflavik to Istanbul | 3:25 PM | 11:55 PM |
| FI901 | Istanbul to Keflavik | 7:05 AM | 10:00 AM |
Flights from Keflavik will operate on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Departures from Istanbul are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Photo: Saga Class, Boeing 737 MAX 8. Courtesy of Icelandair
As noted, the route will be operated by the Boeing 737 MAX 8, offering 160 passengers, including 16 Saga business class seats and 144 economy seats.
This new route and expanded partnership reflect Icelandair’s focus on providing enhanced travel options and strengthening connections between Iceland and the world, making it easier for travelers to explore new horizons.
