Tuesday, June 17, 2025

India and the Middle East are set to benefit from a major expansion of global travel networks as Turkish Airlines and Icelandair strengthen their codeshare partnership, launching new direct flights between Reykjavik and Istanbul from September 2025. Announced during the 81st IATA AGM in New Delhi, this enhanced alliance will not only offer Indian, Middle Eastern, and global travelers more seamless connectivity to Iceland, Türkiye, Asia, Africa, and beyond but also boost tourism, trade, and economic cooperation across multiple continents through the combined strength of both airlines’ extensive route networks.

Turkish Airlines and Icelandair have taken a significant step forward in their growing partnership by announcing a major expansion of their existing codeshare agreement. The announcement was made during the 81st International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting, which recently took place in New Delhi, India. This enhanced collaboration not only underscores both carriers’ commitment to expanding their international networks but also paves the way for stronger air links between two geographically strategic regions at the crossroads of continents and global trade routes.

The foundation of this partnership was originally laid in June 2023 when Turkish Airlines and Icelandair initiated their initial codeshare agreement. This arrangement allowed passengers from both airlines to enjoy greater flexibility, wider route options, and seamless connections between their respective networks. Over the past year, the cooperation has proven mutually beneficial, leading to increased passenger traffic and providing travelers with more convenient itineraries across diverse global destinations.

Building upon this successful framework, the newly expanded partnership introduces a key development that will further elevate global connectivity: the launch of direct flights between Reykjavik and Istanbul. Icelandair has confirmed that it will commence operating this new non-stop service starting on September 5, 2025. The flights will run twice weekly during the winter season, offering travelers a much-anticipated direct link between Iceland and Türkiye.

Under the terms of the expanded codeshare, Turkish Airlines will place its marketing code on these newly introduced Icelandair-operated Reykjavik-Istanbul flights. This will allow passengers booking through Turkish Airlines to conveniently access the new route as part of the carrier’s extensive global booking platform. Simultaneously, Icelandair will add its marketing code to several Turkish Airlines flights departing from Istanbul, granting Icelandic travelers direct access to a wide range of destinations throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

This deepening of ties between the two flag carriers is expected to bring significant benefits to both business and leisure travelers. Icelandair’s well-established transatlantic network has long served as a vital link between Europe and North America, offering convenient stopover options in Reykjavik for passengers traveling between the two continents. Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines operates one of the most extensive international route networks in the world, connecting Istanbul to over three hundred destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. By integrating these two powerful networks, passengers now gain access to a far more comprehensive range of destinations with simplified connections and coordinated schedules.

Beyond enhancing travel convenience, the expanded codeshare agreement is poised to generate considerable economic benefits for both countries. Tourism between Türkiye and Iceland is expected to increase significantly, as travelers from both nations take advantage of the new direct route. Iceland’s breathtaking natural landscapes, including geysers, glaciers, and the world-famous Northern Lights, have long made it a popular destination for tourists from around the globe. Meanwhile, Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and vibrant cities like Istanbul continue to draw millions of visitors each year. The direct air link will make it easier than ever for tourists to experience the unique offerings of both countries.

In addition to boosting tourism, the partnership is also anticipated to strengthen trade and business relations between Türkiye and Iceland. Direct air connections often serve as important facilitators for bilateral trade, opening doors for new business collaborations, investments, and economic exchanges. With Reykjavik and Istanbul now connected by non-stop flights, companies in sectors ranging from technology and energy to travel and logistics may find new opportunities to expand their operations across both regions.

The announcement also reflects a broader trend within the global airline industry, where strategic partnerships and codeshare agreements are becoming increasingly vital for airlines looking to optimize their networks and stay competitive. As international air travel continues its strong rebound following the pandemic, alliances such as the one between Turkish Airlines and Icelandair allow carriers to expand their global reach without the need for extensive fleet expansion or new infrastructure investment.

For Turkish Airlines, the partnership further cements its role as a central global hub carrier, leveraging Istanbul’s unique geographic position as a gateway between East and West. For Icelandair, the agreement opens up vast new market opportunities, particularly across Asia and Africa, where Turkish Airlines holds a strong presence.

India and the Middle East will see expanded travel options as Turkish Airlines and Icelandair deepen their codeshare partnership, launching new Reykjavik-Istanbul flights and unlocking broader global connectivity across Asia, Africa, and beyond.

As both carriers prepare to implement the expanded codeshare agreement and inaugurate the new Reykjavik-Istanbul service in 2025, travelers and businesses alike stand to benefit from enhanced connectivity, greater convenience, and new opportunities across multiple continents. The strengthened cooperation between Turkish Airlines and Icelandair serves as a shining example of how airlines can collaborate to build stronger, more connected global networks in an increasingly interconnected world.