Icelandair opens new Arctic gateway with Tromsø route and year-round Bergen service

Icelandair is strengthening transatlantic access to Norway with the launch of a new direct route between Keflavik and Tromsø from October 2026, while also making Bergen a year-round destination. The move enhances connectivity between North America and both Northern and Western Norway, with a particular focus on the high-demand winter season.

The new Keflavik–Tromsø service will operate twice weekly during the winter schedule, offering seamless onward connections via Icelandair’s hub in Iceland to multiple North American destinations. It marks the first time the carrier has established operations in Northern Norway.

For Tromsø and the wider region, the route significantly boosts international accessibility and reinforces the city’s role as a gateway to the Arctic. The winter-focused schedule aligns with growing demand from North American travellers seeking Arctic experiences, including northern lights tourism and winter adventure travel. North America remains one of the region’s most important long-haul source markets outside Europe, and the additional capacity is expected to support continued growth.

Bogi Nils Bogason, CEO of Icelandair, said the new route further cements Iceland’s position as a strategic bridge between Northern Europe and North America.

“The new route to Tromsø will strengthen Iceland’s position as a natural gateway between Northern Europe and North America. At the same time, it provides a more accessible travel option for travellers in both Norway and Iceland, and it opens the entire Arctic region of Northern Norway to travellers from the other side of the Atlantic. We are delighted to welcome Tromsø to our growing Nordic network,” he said.

In parallel with the Tromsø launch, Icelandair will upgrade Bergen to year-round status. Previously served extensively during the spring, summer and autumn seasons, the route will now continue throughout winter, strengthening Western Norway’s connectivity during the off-peak period.

The combined expansion supports Norway’s ambition to drive more balanced, year-round tourism flows while enhancing international competitiveness. By leveraging Keflavik’s hub structure, Icelandair enables efficient multi-destination itineraries within Norway, further positioning the country as an attractive transatlantic destination beyond the traditional summer high season.

Together, the Tromsø launch and Bergen expansion represent a significant step in reinforcing Arctic and Nordic connectivity across the North Atlantic network.