Icelandair announced plans to begin nonstop service linking St. Louis Lambert International Airport with Reykjavik, Iceland, starting May 14, 2027. The airline will operate four weekly nonstop flights from Reykjavik to St. Louis through October 24, 2027, marking St. Louis as Icelandair’s 16th U.S. destination.
Nonstop service between St. Louis and Iceland last operated under WOW Air before it ceased operations in 2019. Icelandair’s new route will complement Lambert International Airport’s existing transatlantic connections, which include daily direct flights to London via British Airways and five weekly flights to Germany operated by Lufthansa.
Officials emphasize travel demand and strategic benefits
Tómas Ingason, Icelandair Chief Commercial Officer, stated
that St. Louis has long been known as the gateway to the American West and starting in May 2027 will also become a gateway to Iceland and Europe. Brad Dean, CEO and president of Explore St. Louis, cited strong travel demand and noted that adding capacity at Lambert Airport in 2026 enabled greater utilization by residents, businesses, and international visitors.
Dean added that Explore St. Louis plans to promote the new Icelandair route domestically and internationally, highlighting it as a factor that elevates the St. Louis region as a competitive location for leisure travel and conventions.
Traveler benefits and regional tourism impact
The nonstop flights will
reduce travel time for St. Louis passengers heading to Iceland and provide additional destination options. Mayor Cara Spencer and St. Louis County Executive Sam Page were present at the announcement, with Spencer emphasizing that the new flight offers residents more travel choices and also allows more visitors to discover the city.
Hotel bookings in St. Louis and St. Louis County increased 12% over the past year, defying national trends, according to the travel data company Amadeus. The Icelandair flights are expected to contribute to continued momentum in the region’s travel and tourism sector.
