In a strategic move to boost global travel connectivity and passenger convenience, Turkish Airlines and Icelandair have announced an expanded codeshare agreement, coinciding with Icelandair’s newly launched route between Reykjavík and Istanbul. This development not only strengthens their alliance but also opens new doors for travelers between Iceland, the Middle East, and Asia. As airlines around the world continue to rebuild stronger networks in the post-pandemic era, this partnership marks a significant milestone in international aviation collaboration.
A New Route That Bridges Continents
Starting September 5, 2025, Icelandair will commence regular flights between Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and Istanbul Airport (IST). The route will operate four times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—providing a convenient new link between Northern Europe and one of the busiest air travel hubs in Eurasia. The flight is expected to take approximately five and a half hours, offering business and leisure travelers a comfortable and efficient route.
This new route is particularly significant for Iceland, a country whose geographical position between North America and Europe has traditionally shaped its aviation strategy. By reaching into Eurasia through Istanbul, Icelandair not only gains a vital foothold in Asia and the Middle East but also offers Icelandic travelers easier access to destinations that previously required complex, multi-stop itineraries.
The Power of Codesharing: What It Means for Travelers
The expansion of the codeshare agreement between Turkish Airlines and Icelandair means passengers of either airline can book connecting flights across the partner’s network with a single ticket. It also simplifies baggage handling and provides more flexibility when booking routes that span different regions of the world.
For example, an Icelandair passenger flying from Reykjavík can now easily connect in Istanbul to destinations such as Bangkok, Dubai, Tokyo, or Delhi using Turkish Airlines’ vast network. Likewise, a traveler flying with Turkish Airlines from cities like Kuala Lumpur or Muscat can now connect smoothly through Istanbul to reach Iceland.
This type of partnership enhances the overall customer experience—reducing travel time, eliminating booking complexities, and ensuring greater route availability.
Executive Insight: Strengthening Global Footprints
In comments released with the partnership announcement, both airline CEOs expressed optimism about the enhanced collaboration.
Bogi Nils Bogason, President and CEO of Icelandair, emphasized the strategic importance of Istanbul as a gateway to Asia and the Middle East. He noted that travel interest between Iceland and Asia has grown steadily, and this new connection would help meet that demand. According to him, “We are excited to add Istanbul to our route network and expand our partnership with Turkish Airlines. This opens new opportunities for both leisure and business travel.”
On the other side, Bilal Ekşi, CEO of Turkish Airlines, praised the synergy between the two carriers. He stated, “This deeper collaboration with Icelandair helps us provide more comprehensive travel options to our passengers, especially as we link cultures, destinations, and economies from east to west.”
Icelandair’s Strategic Growth
Icelandair has long been known for its transatlantic model, where it connects passengers between North America and Europe with a stopover in Iceland. However, this partnership signals a broader ambition—to position itself as more than just a bridge across the Atlantic. With Turkish Airlines’ hub in Istanbul, Icelandair now has the opportunity to reach beyond traditional markets and explore new, emerging ones in Asia and the Middle East.
This move is also aligned with Icelandair’s post-pandemic recovery strategy, which includes network expansion, digital transformation, and customer service enhancements. The partnership with Turkish Airlines adds weight to this vision, bringing credibility, operational expertise, and a vast route network to the table.
Turkish Airlines’ Expansive Network and Ambitions
As one of the world’s largest carriers by destinations served, Turkish Airlines is known for its exceptional global reach. Operating flights to over 120 countries, the airline has positioned itself as a leader in connecting the East and West. By partnering with Icelandair, Turkish Airlines not only extends its reach into Iceland and North America but also strengthens its presence in the Nordic region.
For Turkish Airlines, this codeshare agreement is part of a broader strategy to form alliances that enhance its hub’s status in Istanbul and deliver value-added services to its passengers. With this deal, Turkish Airlines passengers can enjoy direct access to Iceland’s unique natural wonders, including the Northern Lights, geysers, and volcanoes—experiences that have made Iceland a bucket-list destination for many.
A Win for Passengers and Tourism
The benefits of this partnership extend beyond convenience and logistics. Tourism boards in both Iceland and Turkey are optimistic about the increased traffic the new route and codeshare deal will bring. The simplified travel experience will likely encourage more travelers from Asia and the Middle East to explore Iceland, while Icelandic tourists and businesses can discover Turkey and other connected destinations with ease.
Moreover, travelers will be able to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles across both airlines—another incentive for loyal customers who value integrated travel benefits.
The Future of Airline Alliances
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, airline partnerships are becoming more critical than ever. Codeshare agreements like this allow airlines to expand their networks, reduce operational costs, and compete more effectively in a global marketplace. For passengers, these agreements bring increased flexibility, better service, and more travel options—especially on long-haul international routes.
This Icelandair–Turkish Airlines expansion is a textbook example of a win-win collaboration. It demonstrates how smart partnerships can lead to sustainable growth, meet increasing traveler demands, and enhance airline competitiveness without the need for full mergers or acquisitions.
Final Thoughts
In an age where connectivity is key, the expanded codeshare agreement between Turkish Airlines and Icelandair is more than just a business deal—it’s a bridge between cultures, markets, and travelers. By combining Icelandair’s Northern European roots with Turkish Airlines’ expansive Eastern reach, this partnership is set to offer travelers a more seamless and exciting way to explore the world.
Whether you’re a business executive heading to Asia, a leisure traveler exploring the ancient cities of Turkey, or a nature lover dreaming of Iceland’s icy landscapes, this collaboration means getting there just got easier.
