About Icelandair
Icelandair is a legacy carrier that's spent decades doing something most airlines haven't figured out — turning a layover into a selling point. Based out of Keflavik (KEF), it connects North America and Europe with Iceland sitting right in the middle, which means you can actually stop there for days at no extra airfare cost. That's not a gimmick, that's the whole business model. With 130 non-stop routes across 67 airports and a total network spanning over 376,000 km, this is a properly global operation — just one with a very distinctive Nordic soul at the center of it.
Why fly Icelandair?
Honestly? The stopover thing is the headline reason. Flying KEF-PDX at nearly 6,000 km sounds like a slog, but if you break it up with a few nights in Reykjavik, suddenly it's a trip within a trip. Icelandair lets you do exactly that on most transatlantic bookings without paying more — I've done it myself and it genuinely changes how you think about connecting flights. Beyond the stopover angle, Icelandair's service has a reputation for being warm without being stuffy. It's not budget, but it's not pretending to be a five-star sky palace either. The route map leans heavily into what it does best — 15 US routes, solid UK and Spain coverage, and even connections into Greenland if you're feeling adventurous. That's a pretty compelling mix for a mid-sized airline.
Icelandair hub airports
- KEF Reykjavik — 61 Icelandair routes from Iceland
- RKV Reykjavik — 4 Icelandair routes from Iceland
- MUC Munich — 1 Icelandair routes from Germany
- JJU Qaqortoq — 1 Icelandair routes from Greenland
- PRG Prague — 1 Icelandair routes from Czech Republic
Top destination countries on Icelandair
- Iceland — 69 Icelandair routes
- USA — 15 Icelandair routes
- Spain — 5 Icelandair routes
- United Kingdom — 5 Icelandair routes
- Greenland — 4 Icelandair routes
- Italy — 4 Icelandair routes
- Norway — 3 Icelandair routes
- Germany — 3 Icelandair routes
Tips for booking Icelandair
Watch your fare class closely — cheaper Economy tickets on Icelandair often come with real restrictions on bags and changes, and it's easy to miss that at checkout. Always check what's included before you assume. KEF is the workhorse here with 61 routes, so if you're routing through Iceland, that's your hub. RKV handles a much smaller slice of traffic with just 4 routes, so don't mix them up when booking — they're different airports serving different purposes. If you're planning a stopover, book it early. Peak summer slots fill fast and Reykjavik hotel prices move quickly once availability tightens. The savings on airfare won't mean much if accommodation eats your budget.
Frequently asked questions about Icelandair
Where does Icelandair fly?
Icelandair operates 130 routes across Europe, North America, and beyond, with major destinations including Iceland, the USA, and Spain. The airline serves as a key connector for travelers visiting Iceland and provides extensive transatlantic service.
What is Icelandair's main hub?
Icelandair's primary hub is Keflavík International Airport (KEF) in Reykjavik, Iceland, which serves as the airline's main base for domestic and international operations.
Is Icelandair a legacy carrier, low-cost carrier, or regional airline?
Icelandair is a full-service carrier that operates as Iceland's national airline, offering scheduled service across a broad network rather than operating as a budget or purely regional airline.
When should I book Icelandair flights and what fare classes are available?
For the best fares, book in advance, typically 4-8 weeks before departure. Icelandair offers multiple fare classes with varying inclusions for baggage, seat selection, and flexibility.
What are Icelandair's baggage and check-in policies?
Baggage allowances vary by fare class; most tickets include one checked bag, while carry-on policies follow standard dimensions. Check-in opens 24 hours before departure online, or arrive at the airport 3 hours before international flights.