Icelandair Launches Boeing 737 MAX Routes from Reykjavik to Istanbul
Icelandair has recently introduced a new direct route connecting Reykjavík to Istanbul, Turkey. This service will be operated up to three times a week using their Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
The inaugural flight took off from Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport (KEF) on September 5, 2025. The aircraft, registered as TF-ICJ, left at 15:51 local time and reached Istanbul Airport (IST) at 00:13 on September 6, 2025. This journey covered a distance of 2,562 miles (4,100 km) and took five hours and 23 minutes.
According to Icelandair, this route represents a significant enhancement of their collaboration with Turkish Airlines, the world’s leading airline by the number of countries served. Their expanded codeshare agreement, first launched in the summer of 2023, now allows passengers to easily connect between Iceland and various destinations in Asia and the Middle East.
“With the convenient connections between Icelandair and Turkish Airlines, travelers enjoy shorter total journey times and improved access to vital markets in both regions. Istanbul, as Turkey’s largest city, is celebrated for its unique geographical positioning across Europe and Asia, offering a vibrant mix of rich history, diverse culture, and iconic sites like the Grand Bazaar,” the statement emphasized.
This route will be included in the existing agreement, enabling Turkish Airlines to add its marketing code to flights operated by Icelandair. The two airlines further expanded their partnership during the 81st IATA AGM in New Delhi, India, in June 2025. Since the partnership began in June 2023, they have worked together to provide passengers with more seamless travel experiences.
In turn, Icelandair will also place its marketing code on selected Turkish Airlines flights beyond Istanbul, connecting travelers to destinations in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. This collaboration connects Icelandair’s network across the Atlantic with Turkish Airlines’ extensive global operations, enhancing opportunities for both leisure and business travelers.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Istanbul service after extensive planning and to deepen our collaboration with Turkish Airlines,” remarked Bogi Nils Bogason, President & CEO of Icelandair. This new route opens up convenient travel options between Iceland and the East, addressing the growing demand for connections between Iceland and Asia. Strengthening our route network and partnerships is vital to our mission of providing access to more destinations and supporting tourism and trade in Iceland,” he added.
Istanbul Joins Miami
This new route to Istanbul marks the second recent addition for Icelandair in autumn 2025. From October 2025 onward, Icelandair will also initiate a seasonal direct service to Miami, Florida, utilizing their modern Airbus A321LR aircraft. Miami will be the airline’s second destination in Florida after Orlando, which currently offers three flights per week from Reykjavík.
Starting October 25, 2025, and continuing until March 2026, travelers can fly from Keflavik International Airport to Miami International Airport (MIA) every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. This new service will position Miami as the only airport in Florida offering non-stop flights to all five Scandinavian countries, with Reykjavík becoming its 21st European destination.
What destinations are you hoping to explore next?
