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Keflavík Airport

    Air China Connects Keflavík Airport with Asia: First Flight Between Beijing and KEF Arrived Today

    On Monday 26 October 2026, Air China launched scheduled service between Beijing and Keflavík Airport (KEF) with a stopover in Copenhagen. Operating three times weekly, the new route marks KEF’s first scheduled link to mainland China, opening direct access to key Asian markets for visitors and business alike.

    Chinese carrier Air China launched scheduled services between Beijing and Iceland, via Copenhagen, on Monday, 26 October 2026. The new route adds an important Asian connection to Keflavík Airport's network and marks a significant milestone for KEF, Icelandic tourism, business, and international connectivity. 

    Air China will operate three weekly flights between Beijing and Keflavík Airport. The new service connects Iceland to one of the world's largest aviation markets, improving access to Iceland for travellers from China and other Asian markets while also opening new travel opportunities for passengers departing from Iceland.

    This is a major milestone for Iceland and KEF. The connection with China strengthens Iceland's position as a destination and creates new opportunities for tourism, trade, and closer ties between our countries. We are delighted to welcome Air China and look forward to a successful partnership in the years ahead. Airports Council International Europe has demonstrated that a 10% increase in air connectivity can generate 0.5% economic growth and increase employment by 1.6%. Keflavík Airport's hub operation is therefore one of the key pillars of prosperity in Iceland, and this new connection will further support economic growth and quality of life across the country.

    Sveinbjörn IndriðasonCEO of Isavia

    Ómar Svavarsson, Chief Commercial Officer at Keflavík Airport, says Air China's arrival marks an important milestone in the ongoing development of the airport's route network. 

    This new route provides Keflavík Airport with a valuable connection to Asia and further strengthens Iceland's links with the rest of the world. The addition creates important opportunities for both Icelandic business and the tourism industry. We have worked strategically to diversify KEF's route network, and it is particularly rewarding to see this connection become a reality.

    Ómar SvavarssonChief Commercial Officer at Keflavík Airport

    The arrival of the inaugural flight was celebrated at Keflavík Airport today, where Air China passengers and crew received a warm welcome upon landing at KEF.