Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Icelandair Introduces New Flights to Istanbul and Edinburgh Set to Boost Tourism in Turkey and Scotland

Published on
September 4, 2025

Icelandair’s new flights to Istanbul and Edinburgh mark an exciting expansion in the airline’s network, designed to boost tourism between Iceland, Turkey and Scotland. Starting in September 2025, the airline will offer direct connectivity to Istanbul, its easternmost destination and Edinburgh, a city never previously served by Icelandair. These new routes will provide travellers with seamless connections to and from Iceland, enhancing travel options not only within Europe but also to and from Asia and the Middle East. With strategic timing and strong partnerships, especially with Turkish Airlines, Icelandair aims to create an efficient, well-connected network that caters to a growing demand for travel to Iceland and beyond. These developments demonstrate the airline’s commitment to broadening its horizons and providing more convenient routes to passengers travelling between Iceland, Turkey and Scotland.

Icelandair Adds Istanbul to Its Growing Network

On September 5, 2025, Icelandair will launch its Keflavik (KEF) to Istanbul (IST) route, marking its first-ever service to Istanbul. This addition to the Icelandair network is especially significant, as it represents the airline’s longest 737 operation, with a 5-hour 30-minute eastbound flight and 5-hour 55-minute westbound flight. The new route will be operated by Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with a seating capacity of 160 seats, including 16 business class and 144 economy class seats.

The route will operate four times a week, with FI900 departing from Keflavik at 3:25 PM and arriving in Istanbul at 11:55 PM. The return flight, FI901, will leave Istanbul at 7:05 AM and arrive in Keflavik at 10:00 AM. The flights will run on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for the eastbound leg, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays for the westbound leg.

Icelandair’s expansion into Istanbul is the result of the growing demand for travel between Iceland and Asia, as well as the Middle East. The new service will also provide greater connectivity to Turkey, offering one-stop flights from Istanbul to numerous destinations across Asia and the Middle East.

This route is a significant step for Icelandair as it moves away from its traditionally North American-focused services and begins to cater to Eastern European and Asian travellers. It will serve as a key connection for those travelling from Asia and the Middle East to Iceland, as well as for travellers connecting through Iceland to North America.

This new route is complemented by an expanded partnership between Icelandair and Turkish Airlines. Originally announced in summer 2023, the partnership aims to enhance connectivity for passengers travelling to Iceland via Istanbul. The new flights from Keflavik to Istanbul will be strategically timed to align with Turkish Airlines’ extensive network, which spans more countries than any other airline in the world.

The partnership will allow Icelandair passengers to seamlessly connect with Turkish Airlines’ flights to destinations in Asia and the Middle East. The alignment of schedules will enable passengers to reduce their total travel time significantly, making travel between Asia and Iceland more efficient than ever before.

Bogi Nils Bogason, the CEO of Icelandair, commented on the significance of the new route, expressing excitement about adding Istanbul to their network. He mentioned that the expanded partnership with Turkish Airlines would provide more convenient connections between Iceland and the East, while further strengthening their sales and distribution network.

Icelandair Brings Direct Service to Edinburgh

Alongside its expansion into Istanbul, Icelandair is also introducing new flights to Edinburgh, Scotland, for the first time ever. This service will operate year-round between Keflavik and Edinburgh Airport (EDI), starting on September 12, 2025. The new route will be operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8, featuring both economy and premium cabins, with flights running up to four times a week from September to April.

The flight schedule for the Edinburgh service is as follows:

  • September – April: The flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing Keflavik at 10:00 AM and arriving in Edinburgh at 1:20 PM. The return flight will depart Edinburgh at 2:15 PM, arriving in Keflavik at 3:50 PM.
  • Winter (November – March): The flights will run on the same days, but the departure from Keflavik will be at 8:00 AM, arriving in Edinburgh at 10:20 AM. The return flight will depart Edinburgh at 12:20 PM, arriving in Keflavik at 2:55 PM.

In January to mid-February, the service will operate three times a week, but the overall frequency remains strong throughout the year.

The new Edinburgh service will enhance Scotland-Iceland connectivity, providing both direct access to Iceland’s capital and onward connections to North America, including Canada and the USA. The new route will also allow passengers to take advantage of Icelandair’s popular stopover program, offering travellers the chance to explore Iceland while en route to other destinations.

Edinburgh‘s Warm Reception

The announcement of the Edinburgh route was met with enthusiasm from both Edinburgh Airport and the local community. Gordon Dewar, the Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, remarked that they were delighted to welcome Icelandair to Edinburgh, as it would provide direct connectivity to Reykjavik and onward connections to North America. He also mentioned that the new route would support business links and help boost tourism in Scotland.

Icelandair’s CEO, Bogi Nils Bogason, expressed his excitement about the new route, stating that they were thrilled to add Edinburgh to their network. He explained that the new service would give people in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas the opportunity to visit Iceland and beyond, while also increasing access to Scotland for travellers from Iceland and North America.

Conclusion

Icelandair’s expansion into Istanbul and Edinburgh represents a significant shift for the airline as it broadens its horizons and enhances connectivity between Iceland and key regions of the world. The new Istanbul route, in collaboration with Turkish Airlines, will open up a wealth of opportunities for travellers from Asia, the Middle East and Iceland, while the Edinburgh service provides new direct access between Iceland and Scotland.

With these new routes, Icelandair is not only increasing its connectivity but also reinforcing its commitment to boosting tourism and economic growth in Iceland, Turkey and Scotland.

Image Credit- icelandair.com