Imagine this: It is a chilly evening in Pittsburgh, and as the sun begins to set over Acrisure Stadium, Yinzers are boarding a direct flight to Reykjavik, Iceland. But this is not just any flight—it is the highly anticipated new service from Icelandair, whisking away passengers on a nonstop adventure connecting Viking vibes with the city of bridges.
Pittsburghers—and those within easy driving distance of the Steel City (I am looking at you Canton, OH and Erie, PA)—will have the chance to swap their pierogies for puffin (just kidding… kind of), as they embark on a quick six-hour jaunt to Iceland's otherworldly landscapes (there is some awesome beer in Iceland, too). With flights four times a week, Pittsburgh International Airport’s (PIT) European roster just got a lot more exciting.
Now is the time
After years of longing for more international travel options, Pittsburgh is on a transatlantic roll. First, British Airways arrived in 2019, reintroducing nonstop flights to London. Now, Icelandair’s new service offers a second helping of Europe, with the bonus of stopover options in Reykjavik for the curious traveler. Da 'Burgh has officially entered its “global travel renaissance.”
From mid-May through October, Icelandair will operate regular flights on a cozy Boeing 737-8 MAX, featuring all the perks expected from a chic Scandinavian jaunt. Overnight flights arrive in the early morning and can have locals back in Pittsburgh just in time for the Penguins game.
"I flew Icelandair on its first-week service from Iceland to Pittsburgh and was impressed with the entire experience,” said travel writer Rebecca Deurlein. “The food was exceptional and very Icelandic. The seats were comfortable, and the service was top-notch.”
Big biz
But this new route is not just a treat for vacationers eager to chase the aurora borealis or bask in geothermal hot springs. It is also a major boost for business. Icelandair’s entry signals confidence in Pittsburgh’s potential as a growing hub for international commerce. Direct access to European markets is a strategic game-changer for local industries—from healthcare to tech. Local businesses, like Alcoa, which runs one of Iceland’s largest aluminum smelters, are already celebrating this new connection.
The route also brings a steady stream of cargo across the Atlantic—everything from fish to Orthopedic appliances—and officials predict a $9 million economic impact for Western Pennsylvania. Icelandair’s addition to Pittsburgh’s international lineup represents much more than a few direct flights; it is a symbol of the city’s rising global status.
Fly in style
For Iceland-bound travelers, the journey itself is an adventure. Passengers in Saga Premium class enjoy culinary luxuries like prawns and arctic char with their meals, and authentic Icelandic snacks instead of caramelized cookies and mini pretzels. Those who do not nod off on the six-hour flight can enjoy tremendous views of the North Atlantic—try and spot Greenland! Icelandic culture is also represented through the in-flight entertainment system, which highlights the island nation’s pop culture, cinematic landscapes, and intriguing folklore.
The “Stopover in Iceland” program is a gem—spend up to a week in Iceland at no extra charge before continuing to your final European destination like Brussels, Paris, or Prague. It is the perfect way to stretch a vacation while ticking off an epic bucket list country.
Icelandair’s hub at Keflavik International Airport offers seamless connections to other major cities like London, Berlin, and Copenhagen. More than half of travelers on this route connect to destinations beyond Iceland, making it a convenient gateway for Western Pennsylvania residents seeking European escapes.
Whether chasing waterfalls, soaking in hot springs or getting a fix of Viking sagas, hit Iceland now for great Northern Lights viewing or plan an early summer escape from the woes of the Pirates. And who knows? If the service continues to thrive, Icelandair might even make the seasonal flights a year-round affair.