Icelandair
has announced that it will be adding a new summer seasonal route connecting its Keflavik International Airport
(KEF) hub with Nashville Airport
(BNA). The new service will begin on May 16, 2025 and will run four times a week, running through October. It complements the carrier’s existing North American network, which leverages the potential for connections in Europe via KEF.
Icelandair
- IATA/ICAO Code
-
FA/ICE
- Year Founded
-
June 3rd, 1937
- Airline Group
-
Icelandair Group
- CEO
-
Bogi Nils Bogason
- Loyalty Program
-
Saga Club
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
Nashville launch
The Nashville launch will bring Icelandair’s total North America network to 18. It complements existing service to 34 destinations in Europe. The four weekly flights will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with a 
Boeing
737 MAX 8. Doug Kreulen, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Icelandair to BNA and bridge the gap between Music City and the Land of Fire and Ice. This new route not only enhances our international connectivity but also provides a new gateway to Europe, further meeting the needs of our business and leisure travelers. Whether you’re dreaming of exploring the ancient glaciers of Iceland, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Reykjavík, or embarking on a European adventure, this new flight provides the perfect starting point, and we are overjoyed to connect our two cities.”
Icelandair notes that the addition of Nashville is “exciting” given its music scene and reputation for culture and cuisine. At the other end of the service, Icelandair will offer convenient connections to European destinations like Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, London, and Paris. Icelandair President and CEO, Bogi Nils Bogason said:
“We are very pleased to add Nashville to our extensive network in North America, linking Music City to our 34 destinations in Europe. We know travelers from the Southeast will greatly benefit from this new service and offer Tennesseans the best options to Iceland and beyond.
Photo: Pavel1964 | Shutterstock
Our new service will also provide travelers from Iceland and Europe, connecting through Nashville, more choices throughout the US. In addition, we encourage passengers traveling to Europe, to take an Icelandair Stopover, and explore our home. We look forward to welcoming Nashville aboard.”
Icelandair-Southwest partnership
As reported by Simple Flying earlier on Thursday, Icelandair and Southwest Airlines announced a bilateral partnership. This was significant as it is Southwest’s first global airline partnership and forms part of the carrier’s transformation. The first gateway at which passengers will be able to take advantage of the new partnership will be Baltimore (BWI). The Icelandair CEO commented:
“We are very excited to add Southwest to our impressive partnership portfolio and are honored to be chosen as their initial airline partner. The partnership will unlock many exciting travel options for our customers, and our extensive network in Europe will open for Southwest customers. As part of our strategic focus on expanding our global partnership network, we seek out airlines known for exceptional service and connectivity. We welcome Southwest as a partner and look forward to working together to make the journeys of our mutual passengers smooth and enjoyable.”
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
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Southwest Airlines
- IATA/ICAO Code
-
WN/SWA
- Hub(s)
-
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
, Dallas Love Field
, Denver International Airport
, Harry Reid International Airport
, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
, Houston Hobby Airport
, Los Angeles International Airport
, Midway International Airport
, Oakland International Airport
, Orlando International Airport
, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport - Year Founded
-
1967
- CEO
-
Robert Jordan
- Country
-
United States
Southwest Airlines’ Executive Vice President of Commercial Transformation, Ryan Green said:
“We are very excited to add Southwest to our impressive partnership portfolio and are honored to be chosen as their initial airline partner. The partnership will unlock many exciting travel options for our customers, and our extensive network in Europe will open for Southwest customers. As part of our strategic focus on expanding our global partnership network, we seek out airlines known for exceptional service and connectivity. We welcome Southwest as a partner and look forward to working together to make the journeys of our mutual passengers smooth and enjoyable.”
