Icelandair has confirmed it will begin non-stop flights between St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) and Keflavik International Airport (KEF) on 14 May 2027. The service will run up to four times a week during peak season, using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft configured for transatlantic operations.
The new route is a strategic addition to Icelandair's North American network, which already includes gateways such as Chicago O'Hare, Denver, and Seattle. St. Louis becomes the carrier's latest Midwest point, offering passengers from Missouri and surrounding states a convenient one-stop connection to more than 35 European cities via Iceland's Keflavik hub.
Midwest-Europe connectivity gets a boost
The St. Louis–Reykjavik service is scheduled to operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays during the summer peak, with reduced frequency in shoulder seasons. The schedule is designed to align with Icelandair's onward European departures, allowing travelers to reach destinations such as London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Frankfurt with minimal connection times.
Icelandair's expanded partnership with Southwest Airlines is central to the route's success. Southwest, which has a significant presence at St. Louis Lambert, will feed passengers from its domestic network onto Icelandair's transatlantic flights. In turn, Icelandair passengers arriving from Europe can connect to Southwest services to cities across the United States, enhancing the gateway's role as a true international hub.
“St. Louis is truly a global city,” said Kevin F. O’Malley, chair of the St. Louis County Port Authority, in a statement. “This new air service will open doors for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, and we are thrilled to welcome Icelandair to our community.”
St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer echoed that enthusiasm, noting the route provides another transatlantic option for local residents and an opportunity to showcase the city's attractions, including its legendary music scene and the iconic Gateway Arch. “This is a win for our economy and for travelers who want to explore Europe with ease,” she said.
Operational details and aircraft
Icelandair will deploy its Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet on the route, configured with 160 seats in a two-class layout—16 in Saga Premium and 144 in economy. The aircraft's range and efficiency make it well-suited for the 3,700-mile transatlantic sector, which is expected to take around six hours westbound and seven hours eastbound.
The airline has been progressively expanding its U.S. network, and St. Louis represents a key addition. Acting Airport Director Jerry Beckmann praised the collaboration between Icelandair, Southwest, and regional partners, saying it reflects the dedication of local stakeholders in securing international air service.
“This new route underscores St. Louis's growing status as an international gateway,” Beckmann said. “We look forward to welcoming Icelandair's passengers and to the economic benefits this service will bring.”
The announcement comes as Icelandair continues to strengthen its position in the transatlantic market, leveraging its geographic advantage to offer competitive fares and convenient connections. The airline's partnership with Southwest is part of a broader trend of interline and codeshare agreements that expand reach without adding aircraft.
For travel professionals, the new service opens up sales opportunities for both leisure and corporate clients. St. Louis-based travel agents can now offer clients a direct link to Iceland and beyond, while European agents gain a new U.S. gateway with onward connections via Southwest's extensive domestic network.
Icelandair's move also aligns with the growing demand for transatlantic travel from secondary U.S. cities. As major hubs become increasingly congested, airlines are looking to diversify their point-of-sale and offer more convenient options for travelers outside traditional gateways.
The St. Louis route is expected to generate significant economic impact for the region, with estimates suggesting millions of dollars in annual visitor spending. Local tourism officials are already planning marketing campaigns to attract European visitors to attractions such as the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the city's vibrant culinary scene.
Icelandair's expansion in the Midwest is part of a broader strategy to grow its North American network. The airline has been adding new routes and increasing frequencies on existing ones, and St. Louis is seen as a natural fit given its central location and strong business community.
Travel advisors and corporate travel managers should note the new schedule and consider how it can benefit their clients. With the launch still over a year away, there is ample time to plan marketing initiatives and educate customers about the new options.
For more on how airlines are leveraging technology to enhance booking experiences, see our coverage of Southwest's ChatGPT plugin. And for other recent route launches, check out Air Astana's Almaty–Tokyo Narita nonstops.
