Iceland’s flag carrier plans to expand its network by introducing new Airbus A321LRs on US routes.Icelandair plans to fly the long-range aircraft to four new locations in 2026, in addition to the previously announced Seattle route.
Growing the network?
According to AeroRoutes, Icelandair wants to deploy the A321LR to Miami, Newark, New York-JFK, Orlando, and Portland starting this fall and early in 2026.
However, Simple Flying confirmed that the airline had yet to confirm the itineraries. According to a spokeswoman, the carrier is planning to add the aircraft to new destinations, although a list of destinations has not yet been finalized.
According to AeroRoutes, the trip to and from Miami will operate three times per week, westbound on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and eastbound on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, at the following times:
| Flight Number | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| FI 691 | ReykjavÃk–KeflavÃk – 17:15 | Miami – 20:55 |
| FI 690 | Miami – 17:15 | ReykjavÃk–KeflavÃk – 05:55 (the following morning) |
Interestingly, the plane would have to stay overnight in Miami before spending nearly an entire day at the airport. Although not optimal for aircraft utilization, the timing allows customers from Florida to connect at ReykjavÃk’s Keflavik International Airport (KEF) and travel across Icelandair’s European network to destinations like Lisbon and Greenland.
Icelandair would be making its inaugural flight to Miami. Elsewhere in Florida, the airline briefly served Tampa prior to the pandemic, but service to Orlando has been year-round.
Where else does the A321LR fly?
AeroRoutes reports that Icelandair will launch flights to Orlando International Airport in December with their new aircraft.
According to Cirium’s schedule data (valid until the end of the year), the plane may not be the normal equipment on the route. However, current data indicates that it will operate at least one trip on December 19th.
The A321LR is expected to operate four times per week from October to January 2026 at Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon. The inclusion is not surprising given that the route is currently served by the Boeing 757.
Following the City of Roses, the Big Apple will receive two sets of A321LR flights to Iceland, according to AeroRoutes. Icelandair plans to launch its first trip with the type to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on January 5, 2026.
The next day, service to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is anticipated to begin.Icelandair received its first Airbus aircraft in 87 years of operation on December 3rd.
The A321LR is the first of three slated to be delivered before the summer of 2025, with seating for 187 people, 22 in Saga Premium and 165 in economy. The planes will replace Icelandair’s 757s, which have served as the airline’s backbone for decades.
The airline also plans to take delivery of 13 Airbus A321XLRs starting in 2029. The aircraft will let Icelandair to expand its network even further, with California and Texas expected to be prime contenders.
The announcement comes as Icelandair ends off a record-breaking 2024. The company flew 4.7 million passengers, a 9% increase from 2023.
The airline added four new destinations (Innsbruck, Faroe Islands, Pittsburgh, and Lisbon, as well as a return to Halifax) and announced two more for 2025 (Nashville and Istanbul, with a return to Gothenburg).
The carrier established codeshare agreements with worldwide airlines including Emirates, TAP Portugal, Air Greenland, Atlantic Airways, and ITA Airways.
What is Icelandair’s plan with the Airbus A321LR?
Icelandair is reportedly considering using the Airbus A321LR to expand its transatlantic routes by adding service to four US cities.
Which US cities could Icelandair’s Airbus A321LR service target?
The specific US cities have not been officially confirmed, but Icelandair is expected to focus on key destinations with strong travel demand.
Why is Icelandair interested in the Airbus A321LR?
The Airbus A321LR is fuel-efficient, has a longer range, and is ideal for connecting Iceland with more US cities in a cost-effective manner.
When will Icelandair announce its new routes?
While there is no official timeline yet, Icelandair is expected to reveal its plans as part of its strategic expansion in the coming months.
How can I book a flight on Icelandair’s new routes?
Once the new routes are officially launched, you can book flights on Icelandair’s official website or through travel agencies.