The Top 9 Airlines to Fly to Iceland in 2026

506

Thinking of heading to Iceland? This magical island has it all—from thundering waterfalls and black-sand beaches to otherworldly volcanic landscapes. And getting there doesn’t have to cost a fortune, even in 2026.

While we sadly said goodbye to the budget-favorite PLAY Airlines in late 2025 (and WOW Air before that), affordable paths to the Land of Fire and Ice still exist. I’ve flown from Boston to Iceland for under $299 roundtrip, so I know a few tricks for finding the best deals even without the ultra-low-cost carriers.

After analyzing 200 flight routes from over 75 airports across the US and Europe, I’ve rounded up the top 9 airlines for flying to Iceland in 2026. In this guide, you’ll find airlines that shine in affordable fares, ideal schedules, in-flight comfort, and excellent service…plus a few insider tips for making your Iceland adventure even smoother. Here’s who to fly with to reach Iceland without breaking the bank!

What’s New: Flying to Iceland in 2026

2026 is a transition year for Iceland travel. While the loss of PLAY Airlines changes the budget landscape, new regulations and routes are shaping how we visit. Here is the essential “need to know” before you book:

• The “Post-PLAY” Landscape: With PLAY ceasing operations in late 2025, the ultra-low-cost era has paused. Icelandair has absorbed much of that demand, but it means booking early is now critical. Travelers who used to wait for last-minute budget fares should now aim to book 3–5 months out to secure the best rates.
• New “Kilometer Tax” for Rentals: As of January 1, 2026, Iceland introduced a new Kilometer Tax to replace traditional fuel excise taxes. If you rent a car, you will now likely see a separate charge on your bill (calculated per km driven) rather than paying it at the pump. It’s not a “hidden fee” but a government mandate…so budget accordingly for your Ring Road adventure!
• New Direct Routes: Getting there is actually getting easier for some. Icelandair has solidified its new direct service from Nashville (BNA) (launched May 2025), a huge win for Southern travelers. For Canadians, look out for expanded summer service from Winnipeg and Edmonton.
• ETIAS is (Likely) Delayed Again: Good news for US passport holders: the ETIAS visa-waiver requirement (the “entry fee” for Europe) has faced repeated delays. You likely won’t need to register or pay the fee for summer 2026 travel, though it’s always smart to double-check requirements a month before you fly.
• Volcanic Activity: You may see headlines about eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Rest assured, Keflavik Airport (KEF) is incredibly well-equipped to handle this. Flights have remained operational during recent activity, and the airport has only faced very rare, short-term closures.

If you don’t have time to read the deep-dive reviews below, here is the quick executive summary to help you pick the right carrier for your travel style.

My Favorite Airlines that Fly to Iceland at a Glance

Best For…	Winner	Why it Wins in 2026
🏆 Best Overall	Icelandair	The “Stopover” program is unbeatable, allowing you to add a 7-day Iceland trip to a European vacation for free. Plus, their new routes (like Nashville) make them more accessible than ever.
💰 Best Budget	easyJet / Wizz Air	With PLAY gone, the “London Hack” is king. Fly cheap to London, then hop on one of these carriers to Reykjavik for as low as $50.
🥂 Best Luxury	Delta Air Lines	If you want a true lie-flat bed, Delta One is the way to go. Icelandair’s “Saga Premium” is great, but it’s more like domestic First Class (big recliner seats) rather than a sleeper pod.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families	Icelandair	They genuinely love kids. Children get a special meal, a distinct entertainment kit, and—unlike most airlines—they almost always seat families together automatically without extra fees.
🌍 Best Nordic Combo	SAS / Finnair	Perfect for “2-for-1” Nordic trips. Pair your Iceland adventure with a few days in Copenhagen or Helsinki for a seamless Scandinavian tour.

Now that you have the bird’s-eye view, let’s dig into the specific pros, cons, and secret perks of each airline to see which one deserves your hard-earned money.

My #1 tip to find cheap flights to Iceland

For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to get amazing flight deals. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go, and from there, they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals. And the coolest part? It’s 100% FREE! This past year, I’ve saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $215 roundtrip fare from Boston to Reykjavik.

There’s a free and a premium version – the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re like me and travel a lot every year, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. In my experience, you’ll get your money back after finding just one discounted flight! As such, I recommend signing up for the 14-day free trial to try it for yourself. And if you like it, be sure to use my coupon code JON25 to save 25%!

1. 🇮🇸 Icelandair

• 🏠 Hub: Keflavík International Airport (KEF)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Comfort, Saga Premium
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Saga Club – earn points on flights and partners
• ☕ Perks: Free stopover program, Northern Lights viewing flights, Icelandic hospitality
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their free “Stopover Buddy” program where Icelandair employees show you around Reykjavik during layovers of 5+ hours – it’s like having a local friend give you a personal city tour

Icelandair doesn’t just fly you to Iceland, they make you fall in love with the place before you even land. This scrappy Nordic carrier has turned their isolated island location into a massive advantage, offering flights from over a dozen US cities including New York, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Seattle and Washington DC through their modern fleet of Boeing 737 MAX and 757s.

What sets them apart is their genuine pride in sharing their country. Crew members recommend secret lagoons and local cafés, serve glacial spring water for free, and even offer tastes of skyr or Brennivín for the curious. Their aircraft often feature aurora-themed liveries, and yes, they sometimes adjust cabin lights for Northern Lights viewing mid-flight.

Economy Comfort adds welcome breathing room for around $100 to $150 more, while Saga Premium offers lie-flat seats, Icelandic cuisine, and lounge access often for half the price of traditional business class. It’s one of the best-value premium cabins for transatlantic travel.

The real magic? Icelandair’s Stopover Program, which lets you extend your trip in Iceland for up to 7 days, at no extra airfare. Whether you’re headed to London, Berlin, or Amsterdam, a stop in Reykjavik turns a standard trip into a double adventure. Between their smart routing, friendly service, and unforgettable views, Icelandair makes flying to Iceland feel like part of the vacation.

• Read next: Top Things to Do in Reykjavik
• You may also like: Best Airlines to Fly to Europe
• For more reading: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Iceland

2. 🇭🇺 Wizz Air

• 🏠 Hub: Budapest (BUD), London Luton (LTN), Vienna (VIE)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Standard, Wizz Priority, Wizz Plus
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Wizz Priority – annual membership program
• ☕ Perks: Rock-bottom fares, extensive European network, young fleet
• 🧠 Pro Tip: If you’re flying Wizz more than once in a year, consider joining the Wizz Discount Club. The small membership fee quickly pays off with lower fares and baggage discounts.

Wizz Air brings a dose of Eastern European efficiency to Iceland travel, and it does it through one of the cleverest backdoor routes around. This Hungarian ultra-low-cost carrier doesn’t fly from the US, but travelers in the know pair a budget transatlantic flight to London with Wizz’s dirt-cheap fares to Reykjavik. 

The experience is unapologetically barebones, but in a way that works. Think bold purple seats and no fluff in your fare. Still, the planes are clean and modern, with newer Airbus A320s and A321s that offer decent legroom and a cabin that feels surprisingly fresh. Wizz runs a tight ship too, with quick turnarounds and a reputation for sticking to the schedule.

Where things get interesting is with pricing. Wizz is known for frequent sales and dynamic fares, and during slower travel months, you can often find London to Reykjavik flights for as little as $30 to $50 one-way. Add their Wizz Plus bundle and you get a checked bag, seat selection, and priority boarding for another $40 to $60. When you look at the full package, it’s a pretty solid deal.

The key with Wizz is to lean into the system. Use their mobile app, travel light to avoid surprise baggage fees, and give yourself plenty of buffer time when connecting through London. The money you save can go toward glacier hikes, geothermal spas, or splurging on that wildly overpriced Reykjavik tasting menu.

• Read next: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Hungary
• You may also like: 5-Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

3. 🇺🇸 Delta Air Lines

• 🏠 Hub: Boston (BOS), New York (JFK), Minneapolis (MSP)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Comfort+, Premium Select, Delta One
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles – points never expire
• ☕ Perks: Industry-leading reliability, premium snacks, Sky Club access
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Delta’s summer-only Boston to Reykjavik route often has award seats available even when other airlines are sold out. Using miles can be a great way to avoid steep cash fares during Iceland’s peak travel season.

Delta brings American reliability to the Land of Fire and Ice with seasonal summer service from Boston and Minneapolis to Reykjavik. While they don’t operate year-round like Icelandair, Delta’s summer schedule perfectly captures Iceland’s peak travel season when the midnight sun creates nearly 24 hours of daylight and lupine flowers blanket the countryside in purple.

What you get with Delta is predictability in all the right ways. Flights tend to leave on time, the planes are clean, and the service feels calm and professional. Their Boeing 767s on this route come with refreshed interiors, personal entertainment screens, and better-than-average seating. Upgrading to Comfort+ adds a few extra inches of legroom and early boarding for around $150 to $200, which is well worth it on a five-hour transatlantic flight. And DeltaOne is an absolute game changer.

One area where Delta really shines is how they handle Iceland’s unpredictable weather. Summer storms can roll in quickly, and Delta’s proactive tracking system often gets you rerouted or rebooked before most other airlines even react. If plans change, it’s also easy to get a real person on the line who can actually help.

SkyMiles are another reason to fly Delta to Iceland. Award tickets are often easier to find during late May or early September, when the weather is still great but the tourist crowds start to thin out. Thanks to Delta’s partnership with Virgin Atlantic, you also have options to route through London if you want to build a bigger Europe trip around your Iceland stop.

• Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to New York
• Read more: 8 Affordable Places to Fly From Boston
• You may also like: Cheap Places to Fly from Minneapolis

4. 🇸🇪 SAS Scandinavian Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Copenhagen (CPH), Stockholm (ARN), Oslo (OSL)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Go (Economy), Go Smart, SAS Plus, SAS Business
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: EuroBonus – Star Alliance member
• ☕ Perks: Scandinavian hospitality, excellent Nordic connections, seasonal direct routes
• 🧠 Pro Tip: SAS often lets you add a stopover in Copenhagen for little to no extra cost when booking roundtrip to Reykjavik. Use it to turn your Iceland trip into a two-country Nordic getaway without needing separate tickets.

SAS gets Iceland in a way most airlines don’t. As the flag carrier for Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, they treat Reykjavik less like an exotic destination and more like another stop in the Nordic neighborhood. Their summer direct flights from Copenhagen to Iceland feel completely natural, and for U.S. travelers, connecting through Stockholm or Oslo fits in seamlessly.

Flying SAS feels distinctly Scandinavian: clean design, efficient service, and that understated Nordic hospitality that never feels forced or fake. The Airbus A320 family aircraft they fly feature modern cabins with comfortable seating and surprisingly good coffee. The SAS Plus cabin offers wider seats, premium meals, and lounge access – perfect for longer connections through European hubs. SAS Business Class is also pretty solid for European standards, depending on the route and plane.

What makes SAS particularly clever for Iceland travel is their cultural understanding of the region. Cabin crew often speak Icelandic or Norwegian (closely related languages), meals feature Nordic specialties you won’t find on other airlines, and they genuinely understand the appeal of destinations like the Westfjords or Lake Mývatn that mainstream tourists often miss.

The EuroBonus program is solid, especially with Star Alliance perks, but the real win is how naturally this routing fits into a Nordic trip. Summer flights through Copenhagen are perfect for layering in a few days of Danish pastries, cobbled streets, and hygge before heading into Iceland’s raw wilderness. Plenty of travelers choose to build in long layovers just to experience Nyhavn, grab a coffee by the canals, or bike around the city like a local.

• Read next: Best Instagram Spots in Iceland
• Read more: 17 Prettiest Airbnbs in Iceland

5. 🇫🇮 Finnair

• 🏠 Hub: Helsinki (HEL)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Comfort, Business
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Finnair Plus – oneworld alliance member
• ☕ Perks: Nordic efficiency, excellent design, premium lounges
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Plan your trip around the summer white nights season when both Helsinki and Reykjavik experience nearly 24-hour daylight. It’s a rare chance to see two Nordic capitals glowing under the same endless sun.

Finnair has quietly mastered the art of getting to Iceland with ease and elegance. Their polar flight paths from U.S. cities like New York and Chicago fly directly over the Arctic. Once you land in Helsinki, connections to Reykjavik are quick and seamless, making what sounds like a long journey feel surprisingly simple. It’s a great option only if you want to visit both Finland and Iceland in one trip, or if they are traveling from Asia/Europe.

Flying with Finnair feels like stepping into a Nordic design catalog. Every detail reflects quiet sophistication with calming blue cabin lights, thoughtfully designed seats, and a layout that prioritizes space and peace. The service is equally refined. Flight attendants are warm without being overbearing, and yes, even the coffee is good.

Helsinki Airport makes a strong case for being Europe’s most stress-free hub. Transit is smooth, signage is clear, and the whole place runs like a well-tuned machine. If you have a longer layover, there’s even a passenger sauna tucked away in the lounge area. Flights to Reykjavik usually operate on smaller regional jets that are well-suited to Iceland’s unpredictable weather, which means fewer delays and a smoother arrival.

Summer travelers will appreciate how well Finnair’s timing lines up with the region’s famous white nights. In June and July, both Helsinki and Reykjavik experience nearly 24-hour daylight, creating a surreal atmosphere where the sky glows long into the night. 

• Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Asia
• You may also like: Best Things to Do in Helsinki

6. 🇳🇱 Transavia

• 🏠 Hub: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Paris Orly (ORY)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Plus (extra legroom)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue (through KLM/Air France partnership)
• ☕ Perks: KLM reliability at budget prices, efficient Dutch operations, good onboard food
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Transavia’s base fare doesn’t include a cabin bag. If you’re not flying light, it’s cheaper to pay for overhead bin access during booking rather than waiting until the airport.

Transavia is what happens when the Dutch decide to do budget flying properly. No chaos, no drama, just a low-cost airline that actually runs like it’s supposed to. It’s essentially KLM’s easygoing cousin: still punctual and well-organized, just dressed in green instead of navy blue. 

What’s great about Transavia is how refreshingly honest the experience feels. The planes are clean, the crew is friendly without trying too hard, and everything runs with that classic Dutch efficiency. You don’t get free extras, but you also don’t get tricked. If you want a seat with extra legroom, they’ll tell you the price. If you want a sandwich, they’ll hand you a menu which includes pretty decent options and the occasional stroopwafel.

Amsterdam connections work because Schiphol is one of the few major European airports that isn’t a complete nightmare. Walking between gates takes minutes and there are actual decent restaurants if you have time to kill. Since Transavia shares facilities with KLM, everything feels more professional than your typical budget operation at some random secondary airport.

In summer, flights from Amsterdam to Reykjavik can be $150 to $250 cheaper than legacy carriers. The Plus seats, which cost about $35 more, add welcome legroom for the 3-hour flight north. That’s a small price to pay for a bit more comfort before landing in one of the most stunning countries on earth.

• Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Paris
• You may also like: Best Airlines to Fly to Amsterdam
• For more reading: Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland

7. 🇬🇧 easyJet

• 🏠 Hub: London Gatwick (LGW), Berlin (BER), Amsterdam (AMS)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Standard, Up Front (premium seats), Extra Legroom
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: easyJet Plus – annual membership program
• ☕ Perks: Rock-bottom fares, extensive European network, no-frills efficiency
• 🧠 Pro Tip: If you’re flying into London on a cheap transatlantic fare, pair it with easyJet’s Gatwick to Reykjavik flight. Book an “Up Front” seat to board early and get extra space without paying business class prices.

easyJet has figured out how to make getting around Europe feel simple and affordable, and their summer route from Gatwick to Reykjavik is one of the easiest ways to reach Iceland without overspending. If you’ve already scored a deal on a transatlantic flight to London, adding an easyJet leg to Reykjavik is an affordable next step. In some cases, it costs less than what you’d pay for a single meal in Iceland.

Flying with easyJet is a lot like catching a well-run bus in the sky. The flights are usually on time, the planes are clean, and the crew keeps things moving without any unnecessary fuss. No frills, sure, but no nonsense either. You won’t find champagne or seatback screens, but you also won’t deal with hidden fees or frustrating delays. The food is basic but fine, and it’ll get you through the three-hour flight just fine.

Where easyJet really shines is at Gatwick Airport. Compared to the chaos of Heathrow, Gatwick feels calm and functional. Security lines tend to move quickly, signage is clear, and there’s no shortage of spots to grab a bite or coffee while you wait. If you want to make your trip more comfortable, Up Front or Extra Legroom seats are available for around $60 to $80 and are well worth it for the added space and early boarding.

From a cost perspective, the combo is tough to beat. A $300 round-trip flight to London plus a $150 flight to Iceland puts you under $500 total, which is often less than a direct fare to Reykjavik. And if you’re planning more travel around Europe, easyJet Plus gives you perks like fast-track security and seat selection for about $60 a year, which can pay for itself quickly.

• Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to London
• You may also like: Best Northern Lights Airbnbs

8. 🇬🇧 British Airways

• 🏠 Hub: London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Club World), First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Executive Club – Avios points, oneworld alliance
• ☕ Perks: Afternoon tea service, excellent lounges, generous baggage allowance
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their London-Reykjavik route using Avios points during off-peak periods – often available for just 12,500 points one-way, making it one of the best sweet spots in their award chart

British Airways brings proper British charm to Iceland travel with their seasonal Heathrow-Reykjavik service. While most airlines treat Iceland like some far-flung Arctic outpost, BA approaches it like a civilized weekend destination – which, honestly, it kind of is from London. Their summer schedule works perfectly for Americans already flying into Heathrow, creating easy same-day connections to the land of fire and ice.

The BA experience feels distinctly British in all the right ways. Even in economy, you’ll get proper tea service, reasonably comfortable seats, and cabin crew who maintain that polite efficiency that somehow never feels fake. Their newer aircraft on Iceland routes feature updated entertainment systems and decent legroom, while Premium Economy offers a genuinely premium experience with wider seats and enhanced dining for a reasonable upcharge.

One thing BA does really well is navigating Heathrow. It’s no secret that Heathrow can be hectic, but BA’s operation there is smooth. Their priority lanes help with tight connections, and their lounges are among the best in Europe. If you’re flying in a premium cabin or have status, you can settle in with a proper English breakfast or afternoon tea while you wait.

When it comes to booking smart, the Avios program offers one of the best deals for reaching Iceland. If you fly to London with cash, you can often tack on the Reykjavik leg for just 12,500 points during off-peak dates. It’s a great way to stretch your miles and avoid the high cash prices that sometimes come with short-haul flights in Europe.summer-only service, so winter Northern Lights chasers will need to find alternative routing through other European hubs.

• Read next: Cheap Places to Fly from the UK

9. 🇦🇹 Austrian Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Vienna (VIE)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles & More – Star Alliance member
• ☕ Perks: Vienna hub efficiency, excellent Alpine cuisine, premium service
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Unlike many airlines that cut Iceland from their schedules in winter, Austrian flies to Reykjavik year-round. That makes them a great option for Northern Lights trips when other carriers take a seasonal break.

Austrian Airlines might not be the first airline that comes to mind for Iceland, but it quietly offers one of the most reliable ways to get there. Their year-round service from Vienna to Reykjavik means you can visit Iceland in winter, when most other airlines pause their routes. That’s a game changer if you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights or explore Iceland without the summer crowds.

The flight itself feels relaxed and well-run. Austrian uses Embraer E195s on this route, which are regional jets but surprisingly roomy. The meal service is a standout, with Austrian dishes that go beyond your usual in-flight fare. The crew keeps things efficient and friendly, without going over the top. It’s the kind of calm, professional vibe that makes a big difference on longer travel days.

Flying through Vienna is part of the appeal. The airport is easy to navigate, well organized, and less chaotic than major hubs like Frankfurt or Amsterdam. You can get through your connection without feeling rushed, and you might even have time for a strong Austrian coffee and a pastry before boarding.

If you’re flying Business on a longer leg, Austrian’s cabin setup is excellent. Lie-flat seats, solid wine selection, and meals that wouldn’t feel out of place in a Vienna café. And since they’re part of Star Alliance, you can earn or redeem Miles & More points, or book through other partner programs.

• Read next: Best Things to Do in Vienna