EDINBURGH, Scotland — Travelers in Scotland’s capital now have a direct, year-round gateway to Iceland’s dramatic landscapes—and to dozens of onward cities in Europe and North America—thanks to Icelandair’s newly extended Edinburgh–Reykjavik service.
Icelandair Edinburgh flights become permanent
After a successful seasonal trial that culminated with an inaugural landing at Edinburgh Airport this week, Iceland’s flag carrier confirmed the route will no longer pause in winter. The announcement means Scotland’s busiest airport joins Glasgow as Icelandair’s second Scottish outpost, underscoring the airline’s renewed focus on the country during its eightieth year in the market. The schedule features four weekly round-trips operated by a Boeing 737-MAX8. Northbound flying time is scheduled for 2 hours 20 minutes; the southbound leg clocks in at 2 hours 35 minutes, allowing for prevailing winds. Timings are designed to dovetail with Icelandair’s late-afternoon bank of trans-Atlantic departures at Keflavík International Airport.
What officials are saying
“It’s great to see Icelandair finally land at Edinburgh Airport,” Chief Commercial Officer Stephanie Wear said in a statement, calling the move “a signal of new possibilities and opportunities” for Scottish flyers. Icelandair President and CEO Bogi Nils Bogason framed the decision as a logical step after decades of cooperation with Scottish travelers. “The new service opens up this remarkable Scottish city to even more travellers,” Bogason said during the launch event, highlighting the carrier’s network of about 60 destinations as a major draw.
Why the new connection matters for travelers
- Fast hop to Iceland: Two and a half hours in the air puts passengers within reach of Reykjavik’s geothermal pools, volcanic hiking trails and vibrant food scene.
- Stopover option: Icelandair continues to promote its free Stopover Program, allowing passengers to spend up to seven nights in Iceland en route to Europe or North America without extra airfare.
- Expanded long-haul reach: Same-day connections at Keflavík link Edinburgh travelers to cities such as New York, Boston, Seattle, Toronto and Denver on the westbound side, or to Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin and Copenhagen heading east.
- Sustainable aircraft: The 737-MAX8 is the newest model in Icelandair’s fleet and uses up to 20 percent less fuel than the carrier’s outgoing 757s, an increasingly important point for eco-conscious flyers.
Flight details at a glance
- Aircraft: Boeing 737-MAX8
- Frequency: Four flights per week (days vary by season)
- Duration: 2h20 outbound, 2h35 inbound
- Cabins: Saga Premium, Economy Comfort, Economy
- Launch status: Permanent, year-round operation
Tips for travelers
- Monitor fares early. Icelandair typically opens bookings 11 months out, and historically releases promotional pricing when a new route turns year-round.
- Pack for all seasons. Reykjavik’s weather can swing from crisp summer evenings to winter blizzards; layering is essential if you opt for a stopover.
- Time your layover. To maximize a short Iceland visit, choose an arrival that lands between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., giving a full day before the next-day onward flight.
- Book Blue Lagoon slots in advance. The geothermal spa sits just 20 minutes from Keflavík and often sells out, especially when multiple North American flights arrive.
- Consider rail links. Edinburgh Airport has direct tram service to the city center; purchase open return tickets to avoid queues during busy arrival waves.
The competitive landscape in Scotland
Edinburgh’s growth has outpaced other U.K. regional airports, with passenger volumes topping 14 million last year. Low-cost carriers such as Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air have steadily expanded, while long-haul newcomers like JetBlue and Hainan Airlines have taken notice. Icelandair’s decision to go year-round keeps the airport on the radar for future legacy-carrier investment, aviation analysts say. The move also strengthens Scotland’s position as a North Atlantic springboard. While the Glasgow–Reykjavik link will remain, the Edinburgh service adds flexibility for travelers from central and eastern Scotland who might otherwise transit via London or Amsterdam.
FAQ
Will Icelandair offer daily flights?
[Not specified in release]; the carrier currently advertises four weekly round-trips. Are award seats available?
Yes. Icelandair integrates with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and its own Saga Club, releasing Business and Economy awards at launch. Does the Stopover Program add fees?
The fare remains the same for itineraries under seven nights; airport taxes apply. What is the baggage allowance?
Economy fares include one 10-kilogram carry-on; checked bags cost extra unless booking Economy Flex or higher classes. How early should I arrive at Edinburgh Airport?
Security lines can back up during peak summer departures. Icelandair suggests arriving 2 hours before the scheduled takeoff.
Bottom line for JetsetterGuide readers
Scotland’s capital has secured a nonstop, year-round link to Iceland that slices hours off the journey compared with connecting through London. With quick northbound flight times, an eco-friendly aircraft and free stopovers in the “Land of Ice and Fire,” the new Edinburgh route adds a compelling option for both holidaymakers and business travelers looking to bridge the North Atlantic. — as Wear said in a statement.
