Published on
December 30, 2025
A new wave of Iceland flight cancellations has disrupted both domestic and international routes, with a total of three scheduled services taken off the timetable. The affected destinations include Reykjavik Domestic Airport and Nuuk, impacting travelers moving between northern Iceland, the capital region, and Greenland. These disruptions stem from Norlandair operations using De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 aircraft and underline how exposed low-frequency regional routes can be to sudden operational changes.
The latest Iceland flight cancellations affected two domestic departures from Akureyri and one international service from Keflavik, limiting travel options for passengers who rely on these essential air links.
Disruptions at Akureyri Airport
Northern Iceland saw immediate effects after Norlandair cancelled two flights departing from Akureyri Airport. These services form a core transport corridor between Akureyri and the capital, frequently used by residents, professionals, and travelers connecting onward.
The Akureyri Airport cancelled flights were:
Flight FXI31, scheduled to depart for Reykjavik Domestic Airport at 10:45 AM GMT on Wednesday
Flight FXI51, planned to leave for Reykjavik at 7:30 PM GMT on Tuesday
Both flights were assigned Dash 8-400 aircraft. Because this route operates with limited daily frequencies, even a single cancellation can cause significant scheduling challenges for passengers.
International Disruption from Keflavik
The situation extended beyond domestic travel when Norlandair also cancelled a flight from Iceland’s main international gateway. This decision affected an important regional connection linking Iceland and Greenland.
The Keflavik Airport flight cancellations included:
Flight FXI115, scheduled to depart Keflavik International Airport for Nuuk at 8:55 AM GMT on Sunday
This service plays a key role in maintaining connectivity across the North Atlantic, and cancellations on this route can quickly leave travelers with few practical alternatives.
Overview of All Cancelled Flights
Flight NumberDeparture AirportDestinationScheduled Departure (GMT)FXI31Akureyri AirportReykjavik Domestic AirportWednesday, 10:45 AMFXI51Akureyri AirportReykjavik Domestic AirportTuesday, 7:30 PMFXI115Keflavik International AirportNuukSunday, 8:55 AM
Total cancellations: 3 flights
Affected destinations: Reykjavik Domestic Airport, Nuuk
Impact on Passengers
For travelers, the consequences of these changes were immediate. The Norlandair cancelled departures reduced same-day rebooking options, particularly for those traveling on routes with limited frequency. Passengers flying between Akureyri and the capital faced notable Reykjavik flight disruptions, with delays affecting work schedules, medical appointments, and onward connections.
Those impacted by Iceland to Nuuk flights cancelled encountered even fewer alternatives, as services on this route operate on a tight schedule. In many cases, travelers had to delay trips or reroute through other hubs, adding time and complexity to their journeys.
Why Regional Routes Feel the Strain
These Iceland flight cancellations highlight broader structural challenges in regional aviation. Smaller fleets and specialized aircraft leave little room for substitution when operational issues arise. Weather sensitivity, maintenance requirements, and crew availability can quickly cascade into multiple cancellations.
Key factors increasing vulnerability include:
Limited backup aircraft on short-haul regional routes
Low service frequency between smaller airports
Heavy reliance on turboprop aircraft for essential connectivity
In regions like northern Iceland and Greenland, air travel is not merely a convenience but a necessity, amplifying the impact when schedules are disrupted.
Looking Ahead
While large hubs may absorb operational shocks more easily, regional networks remain fragile. The latest cancellations demonstrate how a small number of disrupted flights can have an outsized effect on mobility across remote and weather-dependent regions. For passengers, staying informed and allowing extra flexibility remains crucial as airlines work to balance reliability with the realities of regional operations.