Nashville International Airport (BNA) will begin offering direct flights to Reykjavik, Iceland, starting May 16, 2025. The announcement, first reported by WKRN, sees Icelandair introducing a new seasonal nonstop service, making it the latest European destination available to travelers from Nashville. The flights are set to operate on Boeing 737-800 MAX aircraft, featuring 16 Saga Premium and 144 Economy seats. The estimated seven-hour flight will run four times a week, with schedules on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
BNA's addition of the Icelandair route marks a progressive step in international travel options from the city, linking Tennessee’s capital to the rest of the continent. According to an article published by the Nashville Business Journal, this new service becomes the second direct flight from Nashville to Europe after a longstanding solo route served by British Airways.
The service will also bolster the connectivity of BNA's newly minted International Arrivals Facility, celebrated on its one-year anniversary. Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the Metro Nashville Airport Authority, hailed the new service, noting that it "bridge the gap between Music City and the Land of Fire and Ice," in a statement obtained by WKRN.
Expanding on the economic implications of this new venture, The Tennessean revealed that the Metro Nashville Airport Authority is expecting an economic impact ranging from $29.2 million to $36.3 million in the first year alone. Tickets for the inaugural trip are already on sale, with prices ranging from $323 to $1,056. Tomas Ingason, Icelandair's Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the enhanced connection possibilities, stating "Passengers will be able to connect onwards to more than 30 destinations across Europe."
State officials view the new flight as a reinforcement of Tennessee's pro-business climate and a testament to Nashville's global city status. Governor Bill Lee expressed his pride in securing the flight, drawing attention to Tennessee's reputation for being "one of the best places to do business," as he told WKRN. Meanwhile, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp emphasized the potential for cultural exchange and increased tourism through this initiative, with President and CEO Deana Ivey highlighting the new route's role in streamlining access to key European markets.
