Icelandair Launches Istanbul Flights, Boosts Turkish Codeshare

Icelandair Launches Istanbul Flights, Boosts Turkish Codeshare

Icelandair Expands Network with New Flights to Istanbul

Icelandair (FI) is set to enhance its flight offerings by introducing a new route to Istanbul, marking the airline’s first entry into Türkiye. Starting September 5, 2025, travelers can book flights to Istanbul International Airport (IST), boosting connectivity between Reykjavik and one of Europe’s vibrant cities.

This new service will operate four times weekly, providing a direct link that takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. This strategic expansion signifies a departure from Icelandair’s traditional focus on connecting North America and Europe through its Reykjavik hub.

Icelandair’s New Flights to Istanbul: Schedule and Details

The flights will be operated using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which are designed for comfort and efficiency. Each aircraft will feature a total of 160 seats, including 16 in business class and 144 in economy class. Here’s the detailed schedule for the new Icelandair flights to Istanbul:

  • Flight No. FI900

    • Departure: Keflavik (KEF) at 3:25 PM
    • Arrival: Istanbul (IST) at 11:55 PM
    • Frequency: Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
  • Flight No. FI901
    • Departure: Istanbul (IST) at 7:05 AM
    • Arrival: Keflavik (KEF) at 10:00 AM
    • Frequency: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays

Enhanced Connectivity: Icelandair and Turkish Airlines Codeshare

Icelandair’s partnership with Turkish Airlines (TK) is also set to enhance travel options between Iceland and eastern destinations. This expanded codeshare agreement facilitates smoother connections for travelers, aligning Turkish Airlines’ extensive network with Icelandair’s new Istanbul schedule.

  • Benefits of the Codeshare Partnership:
    • Increased connectivity for passengers traveling from Asia and the Middle East to Iceland.
    • Coordinated flight schedules that reduce total travel time.
    • Access to Turkish Airlines’ comprehensive global routes.
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The collaboration comes as both airlines pivot to better serve the growing demand for travel between Asia and Iceland, with Istanbul acting as a crucial hub for connecting these regions.

Strategic Shift in Route Planning

The introduction of flights to Istanbul represents a significant strategic shift for Icelandair, moving beyond its established North American routes to tap into the burgeoning Asian and Middle Eastern markets. This new approach not only diversifies Icelandair’s offerings but also positions the airline to capture a wider audience seeking travel to and from Iceland.

Bogi Nils Bogason, CEO of Icelandair, expressed his enthusiasm about this development: “I look forward to adding the great destination of Istanbul to our extensive route network and further expanding our partnership with Turkish Airlines. The rising interest in travel between Asia and Iceland reinforces our commitment to enhance our service offerings.”

Conclusion: A New Era of Travel for Icelandair

With the launch of flights to Istanbul, Icelandair is poised to strengthen its market presence and provide travelers with more options. This development opens up exciting tourism opportunities for Iceland while ensuring seamless travel experiences for customers connecting through Istanbul.

As travel demand continues to rise, Icelandair’s new route is an important step in catering to evolving passenger needs. For more updates on Icelandair’s network expansions and travel tips, feel free to explore our related articles.

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