Travelers flying between Chicago and Iceland will have a new option when Icelandair launches year-round service to Reykjavik (RKV) next year. Beginning March 16, 2016, the carrier will operate four weekly round-trips on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with easy connections to more than 20 destinations across Europe.
Founded in 1937, Icelandair has a long history of transatlantic operations and previously served Chicago for 15 years starting in 1973. With the Chicago route restored, Icelandair will operate flights from 15 gateways across North America, reinforcing its transatlantic network and offering travelers a convenient alternative for travel to both Iceland and onward European destinations.
“We are excited to return to Chicago as a bigger, better airline that can best serve the dynamic market of this world-class city and its nearly 10 million inhabitants. Chicagoans will now have a refreshing alternative when traveling to Iceland and beyond, and Icelanders and Europeans will have direct access to the vibrant and historic city of Chicago. This is an exciting and significant moment for Icelandair and we look forward to welcoming Chicago aboard,” said Birkir Holm Gudnason, CEO of Icelandair.
Alongside Chicago, Icelandair’s year-round North American network includes Boston (BOS), Denver (DEN), Edmonton (YEG), Newark (EWR), New York (JFK), Seattle (SEA) and Washington, D.C. (IAD). The airline also serves a group of seasonal destinations such as Anchorage (ANC), Halifax (YHZ), Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP), Orlando (MCO), Vancouver (YVR) and Portland, Oregon (PDX).
The new Chicago service strengthens Icelandair’s position as a bridge between North America and Europe, offering competitive schedules, frequent connections through Reykjavik, and the opportunity for passengers to combine a stopover in Iceland with onward travel. Travelers from the Midwest will gain more route options and direct access to Iceland’s capital, while European and Icelandic visitors will benefit from direct flights into Chicago’s central hub for business, culture and tourism.
With the relaunch in Chicago, Icelandair aims to meet growing demand for transatlantic travel by providing multiple weekly frequencies, reliable connections, and the carrier’s long-standing experience in North Atlantic operations. The expanded schedule supports both leisure travelers looking to explore Iceland’s natural attractions and business passengers seeking efficient connections between the U.S. Midwest and Europe.
Passengers planning trips that include Reykjavik can expect a combination of seasonal leisure appeal and practical transfer options for onward European travel. The four-times-weekly schedule provides flexibility for weekend breaks, week-long trips, and business itineraries, while the Reykjavik hub enables straightforward connections to a broad European network.