Icelandair is set to launch a new route between its Keflavik hub and Miami, beginning on October 25. This service will mark the airline's longest scheduled flight by time, with a maximum block time of 8 hours and 40 minutes. The route will operate three times per week using the Airbus A321LR, which is Icelandair’s highest-capacity narrowbody aircraft.
The introduction of this route coincides with the switch to winter schedules by northern carriers, which takes effect on October 26 in accordance with IATA slot seasons. The Miami service is notable as it will be only the second time scheduled passenger flights have connected South Florida and Iceland. The previous connection was operated by WOW Air during 2017/2018 with Airbus A330-300s before the airline ceased operations.
Unlike WOW Air’s widebody jets, Icelandair’s flights will use the smaller and more cost-effective A321LR. The aircraft features 187 seats: 22 in SAGA Premium class and 165 in economy. According to ch-aviation, Icelandair currently operates four A321LRs, with plans to lease two additional units.