Icelandair Targets Miami as Next North American Destination

Icelandair is seeking to continue expanding its presence in North America by adding flights to a new destination: Miami International Airport (MIA).

This exciting news, although unofficial, was originally reported by Aeroroutes, a website specializing in global airline routes.

The new Icelandair service connecting its prolific Keflavik International Airport (KEF) hub to Miami would be unprecedented. Planned to begin on January 6, 2026, the service would operate three times a week using the airline’s newly acquired Airbus A321LR jets.

Tentative Schedule

According to Aeroroutes, while the airline has not yet confirmed or announced flights to Miami despite having filed a schedule, the proposed Reykjavik-Miami route is expected to operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Flights would depart from Keflavik at 5:15 PM and arrive in Miami at 8:55 PM.

Photo: Courtesy of Miami International Airport

The return leg would depart Miami at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, landing in Reykjavik at 5:55 a.m. the following day.

Covering a distance of 3,664 miles, the flight is blocked at 8 hours and 40 minutes westbound, with a slightly shorter duration of 7 hours and 40 minutes eastbound, making it one of Icelandair’s longest flights into the U.S.

Airbus A321LR Boost

Icelandair’s new Miami service is yet another addition to its complex route network thanks to the addition of the brand-new Airbus A321LR jets the airline is receiving from the European planemaker.

As the Icelandic carrier progressively replaces the aging and less fuel-efficient Boeing 757 planes from its fleet, the A321LR and XLR planes will allow them to expand their reach further and open routes like Miami.

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

The carrier took delivery of its first-ever Airbus aircraft in late 2025, marking a drastic departure from its historic reliance on an all-Boeing fleet.

With 187 seats—22 in business class and 165 in economy class—the A321LR delivers a modernized experience for passengers.

Icelandair’s decision to use the A321LR is notable, as this fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft is designed for transatlantic flights. While currently deployed on European routes, the A321LR will soon begin operating long-haul services to Seattle, with its U.S. debut planned for spring 2025.

Strategic Growth in Florida

Even though the news of Miami would certianly be striking, this is not Icelandair’s first foray into Florida. The airline currently offers year-round flights to Orlando (MCO) and briefly served Tampa (TPA) before discontinuing the route.

Adding Miami to its network diversifies the airline’s reach in a key U.S. market and caters to both leisure and business travelers.

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

With Miami’s status as a major hub for Latin American and Caribbean connections, as well as the nation’s most diverse airport in terms of operating airlines, the new route opens further possibilities for Icelandair.

Passengers traveling from Iceland can take advantage of Miami’s vast network of onward flights, while U.S.-based travelers gain a convenient link to Iceland and beyond, including key destinations in Europe.

A Growing North American Network

Alongside Miami, Icelandair will soon expand to other important North American destinations. The airline recently announced the addition of Nashville to its network, which now includes 18 North American destinations. This complements its existing services to cities such as New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Orlando (MCO), and Denver (DEN).

Between late 2025 and early 2026, the airline will upgrade its services to Newark, JFK, Orlando, and Portland with the brand-new jet. As noted by Aeroroutes, this is Icelandair’s proposed schedule for the U.S. market.

These developments follow Icelandair’s continued efforts to expand its footprint in the United States. The airline’s long-haul strategy focuses on offering affordable transatlantic travel with seamless connections via its Reykjavik hub.

Its loyalty program and stopover options have also been popular among U.S. travelers seeking to explore Iceland en route to Europe.

While the preliminary schedule for the new Miami route has been filed, tickets are not yet available for purchase. Icelandair typically opens ticket sales closer to the launch date. Industry observers anticipate strong demand for the route, given Miami’s appeal as a year-round destination for both tourists and business travelers.

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

Once operational, the Miami service will complement Icelandair’s broader U.S. network, making it easier for American travelers to explore Iceland’s natural wonders or connect to cities across Europe. With the airline’s continued fleet modernization and route expansion, Icelandair is positioning itself to remain a competitive player in the transatlantic travel market.

Looking Ahead

Albeit unofficial and likely to be canceled, the launch of Icelandair’s Miami service would represent a significant milestone in the airline’s growth trajectory.

By leveraging the capabilities of the Airbus A321LR, Icelandair can efficiently serve long-haul destinations with lower operating costs, allowing for greater flexibility in route development.