Icelandair commences new Boeing 737 MAX flights between Reykjavik and Istanbul

Icelandic carrier Icelandair has launched its new direct service between Reykjavík and Istanbul in Turkey. The new route will be operated up to three times per week by the carrier using its fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 narrowbodies.

The first flight on the new route departed from Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport (KEF) on September 5, 2025, and was operated by Boeing 737 MAX registered TF-ICJ. According to data obtained from Flightradar24, the first flight departed at 15:51 local time at Landed at Istanbul Airport (IST) at 00:13 on the morning of September 6, 2025. The aircraft took five hours and 23 minutes to complete the 2,562-mile (4,100 km) route.    

According to the carrier, “This new route also marks a significant expansion of Icelandair’s partnership with Turkish Airlines, the world’s leading carrier by number of countries served. Through an enhanced codeshare agreement, first established in the summer of 2023, passengers can now enjoy streamlined connections between Iceland and destinations across Asia and the Middle East.”

“The convenient connections of Icelandair and Turkish Airlines mean travelers benefit from shorter total journey times and improved access to key markets in both regions. Istanbul, Türkiye’s largest city, is renowned for its unique position spanning both Europe and Asia, offering travelers an extraordinary blend of rich history, diverse culture, and world-famous landmarks such as the Grand Bazaar,” the statement added.

GCMap.comThese new flights will be incorporated into the scope of the agreement, allowing Turkish Airlines to put its marketing code on Icelandair’s operations. Icelandair and Turkish Airlines announced the expansion of their existing codeshare partnership during the 81st IATA AGM in New Delhi, India, in June 2025. Since the beginning of the partnership in June 2023, the two carriers have cooperated under a codeshare agreement to offer passengers more seamless travel options.

In return, Icelandair will place its marketing code on select Turkish Airlines flights beyond Istanbul, covering destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. This extended integration connects Icelandair’s transatlantic network with Turkish Airlines’ global reach across multiple continents, creating new opportunities for both business and leisure travel.

“After a long time planning, we are excited to see the launch of our Istanbul service and to be deepening our collaboration with Turkish Airlines,” said Bogi Nils Bogason, President & CEO of Icelandair. This route opens up convenient new travel corridors between Iceland and the East, responding to the growing demand for travel between Asia and Iceland. Strengthening our route network and partnerships is central to our mission of connecting customers to more destinations and supporting tourism and trade in Iceland.”

IcelandairIstanbul joins Miami

The new Istanbul route becomes the second new route announced for Icelandair for autumn 2025. From October 2025, Icelandair will commence a brand-new seasonal direct service to Miami, Florida, using its latest Airbus A321LR aircraft. The city of Miami becomes the airline’s second destination in Florida after Orlando, which enjoys three flights a week from the Icelandic capital.  

Starting on October 25, 2025, and running until March 2026, Icelandair passengers will be able to fly to Miami International Airport (MIA) every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from Keflavik International Airport. The carrier’s new service will make Miami the only airport in Florida with nonstop flights to all five Scandinavian countries, and Reykjavik will become the airport’s 21st European destination. 

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