Iceland to India Made Easy: Icelandair and Air India Unveil Strategic Codeshare for Seamless Travel – Travel And Tour World

In a major leap for international tourism and aviation, Icelandair and Air India have entered into a landmark codeshare agreement that will connect Iceland and India more efficiently than ever before. Announced at the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in New Delhi on June 2, 2025, this strategic partnership aims to simplify travel across continents, open new leisure and business routes, and deepen trade ties between Europe and South Asia.

For the first time, travelers flying between India and Iceland will be able to book a single, seamless itinerary that includes coordinated schedules and unified baggage policies. The codeshare links 15 major cities in India and Europe, transforming Reykjavík into a smart stopover hub for passengers flying to North America or exploring Scandinavian destinations.

Under this alliance, Air India will place its AI flight code on Icelandair-operated flights from Reykjavík (KEF) to leading European hubs including London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Copenhagen, and more. In return, Icelandair will tag its FI flight code on Air India-operated flights from Delhi and Mumbai to key European cities, making Iceland significantly more accessible to Indian travelers.

This initiative not only enhances flight options and customer experience but also signals Air India’s strategic focus on global alliances and Icelandair’s ambitions to attract new markets. While final regulatory approvals are still pending, both airlines expect the routes to open for booking soon through their websites and travel agents.

As global travel demand continues to rebound, this partnership is set to redefine transcontinental travel and bring India and Iceland closer than ever before—whether for tourism, business, or cultural exchange.

What the Icelandair–Air India Partnership Means for Travelers

This codeshare agreement is set to reshape travel between Iceland and India, two countries previously separated by complex, multi-leg journeys.

Key Benefits for Travelers:

• Single-ticket booking across both airlines
• Coordinated flight schedules for smoother layovers
• Unified baggage allowance from origin to destination
• Expanded access to over 15 key cities in Europe and India

This makes it much easier for Indian travelers to visit Iceland’s iconic landscapes—like the Northern Lights, glaciers, and volcanoes—and for Icelanders to explore India’s rich cultural and geographic diversity.

Expanded Routes Across Europe and South Asia

Air India will codeshare on Icelandair routes from Reykjavík to:

• London Heathrow (LHR)
• Gatwick (LGW)
• Frankfurt (FRA)
• Paris (CDG)
• Amsterdam (AMS)
• Copenhagen (CPH)
• Milan (MXP)
• Zurich (ZRH)

These cities serve as transit gateways for Indian travelers heading to Iceland.

Icelandair will codeshare on Air India routes from:

• Delhi (DEL) to Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, London Heathrow
• Mumbai (BOM) to Frankfurt and London Heathrow

This two-way agreement ensures that both leisure and business travelers enjoy flexible routing options, significantly reducing the hassle of international air travel.

Why This Matters for India–Iceland Tourism

Tourism between India and Iceland has grown steadily, yet lacked direct or efficient air links. With this codeshare:

• Iceland gains greater exposure to Indian tourists, many of whom are seeking Arctic and Nordic adventures.
• India offers Icelandic travelers and North Americans transiting through Reykjavík a chance to explore its vibrant destinations.
• The India–Europe–Iceland route becomes more competitive and appealing for business, education, and cultural tourism.

This connectivity also supports Visit Iceland’s efforts to diversify tourist demographics beyond the traditional European and North American markets.

Boost to Trade and Aviation Networks

Beyond tourism, the agreement facilitates:

• Business travel and trade between Indian and Icelandic companies
• Cargo and logistics coordination between Europe, India, and the Arctic region
• Hub expansion for both airlines, increasing operational efficiencies

For Air India, this is a move toward expanding its international footprint and building partnership-driven growth, while Icelandair positions itself as a vital connector between Europe, North America, and now South Asia.

Airline Strategies Behind the Partnership

Air India’s Vision

The codeshare is aligned with Air India’s transformation plan, aimed at turning the national carrier into a world-class global airline through:

• Network expansion
• Fleet upgrades
• Alliances with key international carriers

The deal with Icelandair complements Air India’s growing list of partners, including Delta, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic.

Icelandair’s Growth Ambition

Icelandair is undergoing its own expansion phase, introducing:

• New A321LR and XLR aircraft
• Direct transatlantic routes
• Partnerships with airlines like Southwest and Turkish Airlines

This alliance opens a new market in South Asia, helping Icelandair reach emerging long-haul travelers from India.

Reykjavík as a Stopover Hub

With its ideal geographic location, Reykjavík is poised to become a preferred stopover for:

• Transatlantic flights from India to North America
• Nordic explorations for Indian tourists
• Efficient layovers with minimal wait times

The Icelandair–Air India partnership strengthens this vision by funneling more traffic through Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and improving passenger experience across three continents.

Pending Regulatory Approvals and Booking Timeline

While the partnership is currently awaiting regulatory clearance, both airlines are:

• Preparing to roll out joint bookings on their websites
• Training staff for seamless check-ins
• Updating baggage handling protocols for shared services

Travelers can expect codeshare itineraries to become available in the upcoming months, just in time for the peak autumn and winter tourism seasons in Iceland.

What This Means for Tourists and Travel Agencies

For Indian travelers:

• Simplified booking of Iceland trips via trusted Indian carriers
• More itinerary options for Europe and North America connections
• Confidence in ticketing and service standards

For Icelandic and European travelers:

• Easier access to top Indian destinations
• Expanded multi-city travel packages
• Greater exposure to South Asian tourism

Travel agencies stand to benefit by bundling Iceland tours into packages for Indian outbound markets, especially for:

• Adventure tourism
• Northern Lights experiences
• Eco-tourism and photography tours

Conclusion: A Win-Win for Iceland, India, and Global Travelers

The new Icelandair–Air India codeshare agreement is more than just a logistical move—it’s a symbol of global collaboration, innovation, and the future of integrated air travel. As travel demand surges and tourists seek new frontiers, this partnership positions Iceland and India at the heart of a smarter, more connected aviation landscape.

For both airlines, the alliance marks a milestone in building bridges across continents. For travelers, it’s an invitation to explore more, with fewer complications and richer experiences.