In a further expansion of its route network, Icelandair has revealed plans to launch direct flights from Keflavík to Istanbul, Türkiye. This marks a strategic move by the Icelandic carrier to bridge Western and Eastern markets.
Beginning 5 September 2025, the airline will operate four weekly flights to Istanbul Airport (IST), with a flight time of approximately five and a half hours.
Icelandair & Turkish Airlines Partnership
Building on their existing collaboration established in summer 2023, Icelandair and Turkish Airlines are strengthening their codeshare partnership.
This expanded agreement holds particular significance as Turkish Airlines maintains the distinction of serving more countries than any other airline globally.
The coordinated flight schedules will create seamless connections between Iceland and various destinations across Asia and the Middle East. This substantially reduces overall travel times for passengers journeying from eastern regions to Iceland.
Istanbul: Where East Meets West
Istanbul, Türkiye’s largest metropolitan center, presents a unique blend of European and Asian influences, both geographically and culturally. Straddling the Bosporus Strait, which connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, the city serves as a natural gateway between continents.
Istanbul offers visitors a remarkable journey through time with its ancient architecture dating back to the seventh century BCE. The city’s world-class museums feature an impressive collection of historical artifacts that tell the story of multiple civilizations.
At the heart of Istanbul’s cultural heritage stands the historic Grand Bazaar, established in 1461, which remains one of the world’s oldest and most extensive covered marketplaces.
Throughout the city, numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites stand as testament to Istanbul’s historical significance and cultural richness.
Strategic Benefits for Tourism and Connectivity
Bogi Nils Bogason, President and CEO of Icelandair, gave his thoughts about the new route. “Adding Istanbul to our extensive route network represents a significant milestone for Icelandair.”
“This expansion, coupled with our enhanced partnership with Turkish Airlines, creates convenient connections between Iceland and the east.”
The CEO also highlighted growing market trends. “We’ve observed increasing interest in travel between Asia and Iceland in recent years. These new connections will strengthen our sales and distribution network while offering exciting opportunities for both our customers and Iceland’s tourism industry.”
New Route Advantages
The launch of four weekly flights starting September 2025 marks a significant step forward in Icelandair’s global strategy. This expansion will dramatically improve connections to Asian and Middle Eastern destinations while reducing travel times for eastern travelers visiting Iceland. The new route creates enhanced tourism opportunities for both regions while expanding Icelandair’s market reach significantly.
This strategic expansion demonstrates Icelandair’s commitment to growing its global presence while providing valuable connections for travelers between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The new Istanbul route not only adds an exciting destination to Icelandair’s network but also strengthens Iceland’s position as a key transit hub between continents.
For travelers interested in experiencing the unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, the new route offers convenient access to Istanbul’s rich historical heritage. This means vibrant markets, and stunning architectural landmarks, while also providing efficient connections for onward travel throughout Asia and the Middle East.
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