The Miami area will welcome direct flights to Iceland this year on one of the newest planes Icelandair
has in its fleet. Flights between Iceland and Miami will begin in October with the Airbus A321LR and complement the carrier’s existing service to Orlando.
19 cities and counting
Icelandair announced today that it is officially making Miami International Airport
(MIA) the 19th destination in its North American route network. Simple Flying previously reported that the carrier was considering flights with its new Airbus narrowbodies, and the airport has now confirmed the news.
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The airline will use the aircraft to gradually replace its aging Boeing 757s.
The new flights will run from October 25th through March, three flights a week on its brand-new Airbus A321LR aircraft to Miami. Speaking to Simple Flying today, Icelandair officials noted that Florida has always been a popular winter destination for Icelanders, with the carrier’s current Orlando service “showing successful traffic patterns.” The airline also expects the flight will draw Europeans from its wider network looking to escape the cold for the city’s beautiful beaches, rich nightlife, and colorful culture.
The link to Reykjavík’s Keflavik International Airport
(KEF) takes between seven and a half and eight outs and is not currently served by any other airline. Iceland will become Miami’s 21st European destination and make it the only airport in Florida with nonstop flights to all five sovereign countries in Scandinavia. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava welcomed the new connection and expressed her excitement for the new link to begin:
I applaud Icelandair for deciding to expand into South Florida with nonstop Reykjavik service at MIA, which will soon give our residents direct access to the majestic natural beauty of Iceland.
We look forward to giving Icelandair and their passengers from across Europe a warm welcome to Miami-Dade County.
Photo: Ernesto Juan Castellanos | Shutterstock
Icelandair previously served Tampa (TPA) and continues to serve Orlando International Airport
(MCO) year-round with its Boeing 757-200s and Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
To Iceland and beyond
The new Icelandair flights will run three flights a week, on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, from October 25th through March. The link will be operated by Icelandair’s brand new Airbus A321LR
aircraft, which is configured to seat 187 passengers, 22 of which are in Saga Premium seats and 165 in economy seats.
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The modernization plan is expected to last five to 15 years.
The flights will also serve Florida passengers looking for affordable flights to Europe. Icelandair now offers connections from 19 destinations in North America to more than 30 destinations in the UK, Scandinavia, and continental Europe. For Icelandair President and CEO Bogi Nils Bogason, the new addition fits nicely into the carrier’s North American ambitions:
“We are thrilled to be opening a new gateway from Europe to sunny Florida via Iceland and from Miami to Iceland and beyond. With the new long-range and fuel-efficient Airbus aircraft we are able to add new and exciting destinations and Miami is a great addition. Miami will fit well into our route network, with convenient connections via Iceland to our 34 destinations in Europe.
“Welcome aboard Miami!”
Connecting passengers can also enjoy a complimentary Stopover
to spend more time enjoying Iceland’s northern lights, steaming geysers, whale-watching boat trips, and other attractions. Icelandair’s famous Stopover package allowed guest to stay for up to seven days at no additional airfare en route to their final destination.
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The airline also celebrated an achievement for delivering outstanding service to its passengers.
In addition to Iceland, Miami International Airport is boosting links to several European destinations this year. American Airlines will begin its first flights to Rome (FCO) and boost its London Heathrow (LHR) service to double-daily.
