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    Icelandair Returns to Orlando International Airport

    icon-user Dar Dowling icon-comments Comments May 18, 2016

    Over the past few months, Icelandair has been rolling out new routes across the globe, including some strategic moves in the United States. As part of that push to expand, the carrier started flying out of Orlando International this month after a nine-year absence. The nonstop flights to Icelandair’s hub at Reykjavik, depart on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m.

    Re-establishing this relationship is a win for customers on both sides of the Atlantic. “Flights from Orlando will give locals the opportunity to explore the world, and Europeans the chance to enjoy the many family-friendly sites in Orlando and central Florida,” said Birkir Holm Gudnason, the CEO of Icelandair.

    Once in Iceland, U.S. travelers can catch flights to over 20 cities in Europe. And with Icelandair’s free stopover, passengers can also enjoy Iceland’s many attractions, including hiking and camping, soaking in hot springs and catching the Northern Lights.

    The airline is a part of the Star Alliance, so United MileagePlus members can earn miles on their trip, or use them to book a seat.

    The History

    Icelandair flew out of Orlando International Airport until 2006, when it decided to move to Orlando Sanford International Airport. While both airports are portals to Disney World and Universal Orlando, the airline moved to Sanford because of incentives offered by the airport.

    Travel from Orlando to Europe on Icelandair
    Travel from Orlando to Europe on Icelandair

    Although it’s unclear if Icelandair was offered more incentives to move back, it believes that Orlando International has better resources to allow it to expand its services, giving passengers more flights and more options.

    The airline is also growing elsewhere, adding and upgrading a variety of routes this year. Icelandair has arrived in Portland, Oregon, for the first time; added flights in Chicago; and expanded abroad with service to Brussels, Montreal and Aberdeen.

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