International airlines around the world offer flights to Iceland. The country is also home to several airlines that provide domestic and international flights. Let’s take a look at airlines that fly to Iceland and answer some frequently asked questions.
Grab your plane tickets to Iceland for a memorable vacation above the Arctic Circle. The country offers enticing opportunities for new adventures. From admiring the island’s breathtaking glaciers and mighty volcanoes to walking along its famous black sand beaches, there’s nowhere quite like Iceland.
Whether you're flying from European destinations like the UK, Germany, or France or North American locations like Boston or New York, this guide offers the lowdown on what's available.
Key Takeaways
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Iceland’s two major airlines provide international and domestic flights for travelers from everywhere.
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Airlines around the world offer regular flights to Iceland, making it easy to find luxury and budget options.
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Once you’ve arrived in Iceland, a variety of airplane tours let you experience Iceland’s majestic landscapes from above.
Which Airlines Fly to Iceland?
Iceland is the perfect place for anyone ready to discover the beauty of the natural world. You can book private, guided, or self-drive tours to ensure you have a top-notch experience.
Start your Iceland trip right with an affordable and comfortable flight. Over 25 airlines fly to Iceland's Keflavik International Airport. They include major airlines like Delta and United, along with smaller, budget-friendly airlines.
Icelandic Airlines
Icelandair and Play are the two leading commercial airlines in Iceland. Icelandair is the largest and has the most global availability. But if you're looking for a budget option, check out Play.
Icelandair
With more than 50 ports worldwide, Icelandair offers domestic and international flights. Their ticket classes include Economy Light, Economy Standard, Economy Flex, Saga Premium, and Saga Premium Flex.
Icelandair flies in and out of many cities in Europe, the UK, North America, and Greenland. Larger airports offer daily or weekly flights to Iceland.
The airline offers about 28 domestic flights from Reykjavik to Akureyri each week—convenient for anyone planning a visit to North Iceland.
One of the benefits of Icelandair's connectivity within the country is the ability to turn a stopover into a mini vacation. You can visit a region for up to seven days before continuing to your final destination.
The possibilities are endless when choosing what to do with your stopover time, especially with layover tours available. Consider guided excursions around the Golden Circle or luxurious trips to the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa.
The Icelandair luggage allowance depends on your flight class. The lowest tier, Economy Light, allows one carry-on bag and one personal item, with no checked bag.
The other economy classes (Standard and Flex) allow a checked bag. If you’re a Saga point holder, you can upgrade to Saga Premium or Saga Premium Flex with two checked bags. Saga Premium Flex also allows a second carry-on bag.
If you plan to use Icelandair often, consider signing up for the Saga Club. You can earn Saga Points to purchase flights, upgrades, gift cards, or buy things on board your flight.
Play
Looking for a cheaper flight to Iceland? Consider flying with Play, the country’s budget airline provider. Headquartered in Reykjavik, Play only offers economy seats.
Play flies to many major North American and European cities, including Alicante, Berlin, Boston, Dublin, Lisbon, New York, and Prague.
Passengers are permitted one personal-sized item that can fit under the seat. A backpack or a small duffle is perfect as long as it fits within the dimensions listed on their website.
Anyone can buy an extra carry-on bag and up to three additional checked bags. As always, there’s no charge for bringing items such as mobility aids, car seats, or medical equipment.
Every flight with Play makes a stopover in Iceland. If you've always wanted to visit the country, you can do so on your way to and from any Play destination.
International Airlines That Fly to Iceland
Iceland welcomes airlines from around the world. However, most flights to Iceland are from Europe and North America.
airBaltic
Headquartered in Latvia, airBaltic services 60 destinations in the Baltic region and beyond. They’re one of the best airlines for budget flights from Europe to Iceland.
airBaltic offers different perks based on the ticket price. Every ticket allows for one personal item, such as a purse or small bag, and one cabin bag, such as a small suitcase.
If you need more luggage, you can purchase the option to carry up to 26 pounds (12 kilograms) on board the plane or opt for checked baggage. You can also purchase other perks like meals and a range of seat upgrades.
airBaltic Club, their loyalty program, has a stamp card feature that gives you a free flight after purchasing five commercial flights to Iceland or elsewhere.
Air Canada
Air Canada services over 220 destinations spanning six continents. They’re an obvious choice if you're looking to catch a connecting flight from anywhere in North America, and they are a great option for traveling to Iceland.
A great feature of Air Canada is its Aeroplan System. If you live in Canada, many local banks have an Aeroplan credit card available, making it easy to earn Aeroplan points with everyday purchases.
If you plan on flying with Air Canada often, consider joining their Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. This premium service gives you access to their private lounge that includes free Wi-Fi, complimentary snacks and beverages, a business center, and showers.
Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines is headquartered in Vienna and makes about 360 flights a day, servicing 130 different destinations across Europe, Canada, and the United States.
Passengers are permitted one checked bag when flying in Economy class and up to two in Business class. You can also purchase the option to bring more bags when you book your flight.
An exciting feature of this airline is the ability to make bids on upgrades. If you booked an Economy ticket and want an upgrade, you can make a bid. The airline decides if it wants to accept the bid or not. If you prefer not to risk the bidding process, you can pay a fixed fee for upgrades.
Business Class offers access to the Business Class Lounge in participating airports, priority service, extra luggage, and lie-flat seats for long-haul flights to Iceland.
British Airways
British Airways is an excellent choice if you’re flying from the United Kingdom or Europe. They fly to over 200 destinations in 80 countries.
British Airways has a reputation for providing comfortable flights. They have four classes of seats, and even the lowest tier, Economy, offers comfortable seating and high-end touch screens.
On the other end of the spectrum, first-class seating comes with private cabins and lie-flat seats that make long flights cozy. Tickets permit one personal item, one carry-on item, and one checked bag. Upgrades are available.
Delta
Delta is a popular airline for flights to Iceland from America. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, they fly to over 275 destinations spanning six continents.
Delta has more flight classes than most airlines, with six different offerings — Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+, First Class, Delta Premium Select, and Delta One. Each tier brings a new level of luxury, with the top end getting a private cabin and lie-flat seats.
easyJet
Visitors coming from the UK can find affordable flights to Reykjavik and Akureyri with easyJet. They operate out of London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, and Edinburgh.
easyJet is known for its reasonable prices and simple booking system. However, they have a strict baggage policy and don’t offer the amenities other airlines provide. This is why many people choose them for short flights to European countries.
Finnair
Finnair is Finland’s largest airline. They provide direct flights from Helsinki to Keflavik International Airport in Reykjavik all year.
Travelers can choose from several ticket options when flying Finnair. Their Superlight ticket is affordable but only allows one carry-on bag. It’s a good option for short trips.
Their Flex ticket is more expensive but allows for refunds and flight changes. Travelers are also able to choose their preferred seat and are allowed a carry-on bag and checked luggage.
Finnair’s fleet of modern planes provides a comfortable in-flight experience. The airline is also known for its good customer service.
Jet2
Jet2 is another smart budget option for flights from the UK to Iceland. They fly to over 75 destinations across Europe and beyond.
Jet2 has a reputation for great customer service and affordable tickets.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa is the leading German airline, with its main hub in Frankfurt. It serves over 200 destinations across more than 70 countries. It offers plenty of flights to Reykjavik from major cities across Europe, connecting through Frankfurt or Munich.
Depending on your flight class, you'll enjoy onboard internet and entertainment, various add-on services, and access to a relaxing lounge. There are complimentary snacks and drinks aboard the flight, with menus catering to allergy-sensitive or vegetarian diets.
Transavia
This Dutch airline offers direct flights to Reykjavik from Amsterdam and Paris. They’re known for their affordable ticket prices, modern fleet of airplanes, and punctuality.
Transavia offers three fare options — Basic, Plus, and Max. Each has different baggage limits and seat selection options. However, all fare options allow travelers to earn miles through the airline’s Flying Blue Program.
United Airlines
United Airlines calls Chicago, Illinois, its home. As one of the larger American airlines, they cover over 330 destinations worldwide.
United has four ticket classes — Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. You can book your ticket or upgrade with their loyalty program, MileagePlus.
See a full list of airlines operating out of Keflavik International Airport.
Airport Transfers in Iceland
After arriving at Keflavik International Airport, you can board airport transfers to Reykjavik. Airport transfers are easy and convenient ways to get to Iceland’s capital, but they can also serve as a jumping-off point for your Icelandic adventure.
Choose from a private car transfer or an affordable bus transfer. There are also car rental options directly from the airport.
For a luxurious start to your vacation, select a transfer that includes a stop at the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa.
Popular Airplane Tours
Once you’ve landed in Iceland, the adventure doesn’t have to wait. Air travel isn’t just about getting to the country — it’s also one of the most exciting ways to explore it.
Popular airplane tours in Iceland offer breathtaking views of glaciers, volcanoes, and remote highlands that cannot be accessed by land. These flights give travelers a whole new perspective on the island’s dramatic landscapes, making them a perfect addition to your Iceland itinerary.
If you love flying, consider booking an airplane tour and witness Iceland's natural beauty from above. There are plenty of guided airplane tours and helicopter tours available. Here are a few examples:
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1-Hour Airplane Tour Over Landmannalaugar and Highlands — Take off from Skaftafell Nature Reserve and fly over jagged terrain, crater lakes, and canyons.
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45-Minute Airplane Tour Over Skeidararjokull Glacier — Start in Skaftafell Nature Reserve and soar over the most extensive sandplain in the world.
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Airplane Sightseeing Tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula — Depart from Reykjavik, get an aerial view of the city, then fly over the volcanic landscapes that make up the Reykjanes Peninsula.
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45-Minute Airplane Tour of Grimsvotn Eruption Site — Get a unique perspective of the Vatnajokull Glacier and Grimsvotn Volcano, Iceland’s most active volcano.
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Helicopter Tour to a Volcanic Area in Reykjanes Peninsula — Witness the volcanic eruption site of Sundhnukagigar Craters on this 45-minute helicopter tour to the Reykjanes Peninsula.
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30-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Vatnajokull Glacier From Skaftafell Nature Reserve — See the magnificent Vatnajokull Glacier and its rugged terrain from a bird's-eye view by booking this 30-minute Iceland helicopter tour.
Choose the sightseeing flights that fit your schedule and see some of the most astonishing landscapes in the world.
FAQs About the Best Airline to Fly to Iceland
Choosing the right airline sets the tone for your Icelandic adventure. Learn what questions people have when picking an airline that suits their needs.
Can I book a stopover in Iceland for free?
Icelandair and Play both offer multi-day stopovers in Reykjavik at no extra cost when flying between Europe and North America.
When is the best time to book flights to Iceland?
The shoulder seasons (May to June and September to October) are often the best times to visit Iceland, with lower prices and fewer crowds. For the best flight deals, book your tickets two to three months before your planned travel dates, especially if you're going in the summer or during the northern lights season.
Which airline is best if I plan to bring outdoor gear?
Icelandair accepts skis, snowboards, fishing gear, etc. This is often counted as part of checked baggage, depending on your ticket. Always check sporting equipment policies, as some airlines charge extra.
Are there red-eye or early-morning flight options?
Yes. Flights between North America and Iceland often depart in the evening and land early in the morning. European flights may offer early morning departures from cities like London, Paris, or Oslo.
Do any airlines offer student or youth discounts?
Scandinavian Airlines and Icelandair occasionally offer student/youth fares. Check for discounts via student travel agencies or booking platforms like StudentUniverse.
What are the cancellation or change policies like?
Legacy carriers like Icelandair and British Airways tend to offer more flexible options. Low-cost airlines generally have stricter, non-refundable tickets unless you pay for flexibility.
Do I need a visa to visit Iceland?
EU and EEA citizens don’t need a visa to travel to Iceland. Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, and Australia don’t need a visa for stays under 90 days.
Is flying to Iceland safe despite the volcanoes?
Yes. Iceland’s airspace is closely monitored. Flights get rerouted or rescheduled in the event of rare disruptive volcanic activity.
Is it worth upgrading my seat for a flight to Iceland?
This depends on how long your flight is. Flights from Europe are often short, so upgrades may not be necessary. Flights from North America can be quite long, so it may be worth upgrading if you want to be more comfortable.
Ready To Take Flight?
Which airline are you taking on your trip to Iceland? While the flight won’t be the most memorable part of your trip, it’s always nice to travel in comfort. The last thing you want is delays and complications, so we hope we’ve helped you choose wisely.
After you’ve booked your flight, start learning everything there is to know about Icelandic culture. Check out expert travel guides and articles as you gear up for your adventure.
We’re always curious about the best ways to travel to Iceland. Comment below to tell us which airlines you prefer on your way to Keflavik Airport.
