Icelandair today announces further expansion of its global network with new year-round service from Tampa International Airport (TPA), and seasonal flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Flights begin May 30, 2017 from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with four weekly non-stop flights to Iceland, and on September 7, 2017 from Tampa Bay, Florida with two weekly flights.
"Tampa Bay and Philadelphia will further strengthen Icelandair’s presence in the eastern United States by better serving our passengers with faster travel times to more than 25 destinations in Europe. Floridians and Philadelphians alike will now have a refreshing alternative when traveling to Iceland and beyond, while Icelanders and Europeans will have direct access to the sunny beaches and many attractions of the Tampa Bay area, and direct access to the historic city of Philadelphia, the fifth largest city in the United States. This is an exciting and significant moment for Icelandair and we look forward to welcoming both Philadelphia and Tampa Bay aboard in 2017," said Birkir Holm Gudnason, CEO of Icelandair.
Icelandair, in operation since 1937, has a long, illustrious history of bridging North America and mainland Europe through Iceland. The airline has helped boost tourism to its home country in record numbers and in bolstering Iceland as one of Europe’s hottest destinations. Today, Icelandair continues to grow by adding new aircraft to its modern fleet, more destinations and popular amenities including personal in-flight entertainment and gate-to-gate Wi-Fi access. With today’s announcement of Tampa Bay and Philadelphia, Icelandair will now offer service from 18 North American gateways.
“This new flight is just one more example of Tampa’s growing prominence as an international gateway,” said Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn. “That’s important because international air service at TPA boosts economic activity, business opportunities and tourism for the entire region.”
“We are very pleased to welcome Icelandair to PHL and look forward to offering non-stop service to Reykjavik,” said Chellie Cameron, CEO, Philadelphia International Airport. “This capital city is a gateway to a beautiful country and to its Scandinavian neighbors. We are proud to increase our non-stop international destinations and open a new market to our travelers.”
From Tampa Bay, Icelandair flight FI884 will depart from Tampa International Airport (TPA) on Mondays and Thursdays at 6:55pm EST, arriving non-stop to Icelandair’s hub at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) the following morning at 6:10am GMT. Total flight time is just over seven hours, in time for connections to more than 25 destinations in Europe, including Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London and Paris. Return service departs Keflavik on Icelandair FI885 at 5:10pm on Sundays and Wednesdays, with same-day arrival in Tampa Bay at 9:00pm.
From Philadelphia, Icelandair flight FI828 will depart from Philadelphia on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8:35pm EST, arriving at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) the following morning at 6:10am GMT. Total flight time is approximately five hours and 30 minutes. Return service departs Keflavik on Icelandair flight FI829 at 5:00pm, with same-day arrival in Philadelphia at 7:15pm.
