First New International Destination since 2019:

Icelandair launched its first flight from RDU on Thursday, providing nonstop transatlantic service to Reykjavik, a tourist destination that also serves as a midway point between North America and Europe. The inaugural flight marks the first new international route added since 2019 and RDU’s first transatlantic flight since March 2020. 

 “We welcome Icelandair to RDU as they begin providing nonstop service to an exciting new international destination,” said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “The return of international travel signals a new phase of recovery as we head into our busiest season of the year.” 

The seasonal route will include flights to Iceland four times a week from May – October on a 160-seat Boeing 737MAX 8. It also provides travelers with easy nonstop connections to more than 25 destinations in the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and Continental Europe and allows passengers to take an Icelandair stopover for up to seven days at no additional airfare. 

“We are excited to start service from our newest gateway, Raleigh-Durham,” said Bogi Nils Bogason, president & CEO of Icelandair Group. “These flights will offer passengers more options when traveling to Europe and allow both business and leisure travelers the opportunity to visit our beautiful home, Iceland. The response we have received has been very positive and we look forward to welcoming Raleigh-Durham aboard.” 

Icelandair will help meet growing demand by offering international travelers nonstop service to a new destination and global connections to major cities on both sides of the Atlantic. Reykjavik is the first new route secured by RDU under an air service development program designed to recruit more international flights.