Iceland in the Spotlight of Chinese Tourism: Why Air China Bets on Keflavík and How to Take Advantage

With 139,000 Chinese tourists in a year, Iceland has established itself as a leading North Atlantic destination for Beijing. Since October 26, Air China has launched a thrice-weekly direct route between China’s capital and Keflavík, via Copenhagen, marking a new milestone in the country’s opening to Asian travelers. This initiative, coupled with a codeshare agreement with Icelandair, is transforming the accessibility of the Land of Ice and opening unprecedented opportunities for explorers from the Far East.

The launch of this route is no coincidence. Icelandic authorities were targeting a 17% increase in Chinese tourism between October 2025 and September 2026, generating nearly 413,000 overnight stays. For Air China, this is also an opportunity to capitalize on fifth-freedom rights between Copenhagen and Keflavík, allowing it to transport passengers between these two destinations without a stopover in China. A winning strategy that strengthens transatlantic flows while offering Icelandic travelers a new gateway to Asia.

A strategic service for both countries

The choice of the Airbus A330-300 for this route is no accident. With three weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the Chinese carrier is optimizing its capacity while offering a premium experience. The aircraft, configured for 270 passengers, meets the growing demand from both business and leisure travelers, while providing additional cargo capacity—particularly for high-value Icelandic exports such as salmon and high-tech equipment.

For passengers, the stopover in Copenhagen offers a chance to explore Denmark’s capital in just a few hours. The schedule is designed to allow smooth connections to other European or Asian destinations. Icelandic travelers, meanwhile, now have direct access to major Chinese cities, with streamlined connections thanks to the agreement signed with Icelandair.

A booming market

This new route is part of a broader trend of diversifying tourism flows to Iceland. In 2025, China already ranked as the fourth-largest source of tourists, behind the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. With annual growth of 33% in 2025 and 17% over the past twelve months, the potential is enormous. Icelandic authorities are banking on this route to position the island as a must-visit destination for Asian travelers, thanks to its breathtaking landscapes, Northern Lights, and unique cultural heritage.

For Icelandic businesses, this new air route is a boon. Seafood exporters, already well-established in China, can now ship their goods faster and under better conditions. The A330-300’s hold offers valuable additional capacity for these perishable products, which often face strict logistical constraints.

A historic agreement to strengthen connections

The codeshare agreement signed between Air China and Icelandair on October 27, 2026, represents a major breakthrough. This deal allows travelers to combine flights on both airlines on a single ticket, with baggage checked through to the final destination. For Icelandair, this means easier access to new Chinese destinations, while Air China can offer its passengers connections to Iceland’s entire network, including Reykjavík, Akureyri, and the Vestmann Islands.

This cooperation underscores both airlines’ commitment to strengthening their positions in key markets. For Iceland, it’s an opportunity to become a hub connecting Europe and Asia, while for Air China, it’s a way to extend its influence across the North Atlantic. While practical details—such as the routes covered and the exact implementation date—remain to be finalized, the potential impact is already significant.

How to take advantage of this new route

For travelers looking to make the most of this new connection, several options are available. Air China offers competitive fares in economy class, with comfortable seating and in-flight service tailored for long-haul journeys. Business class passengers enjoy enhanced comfort, while first-class travelers benefit from personalized service and access to dedicated airport lounges.

Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons like the year-end holidays or summer vacations. Icelandic travelers heading to China can also take advantage of Icelandair flights, with optimized connections thanks to the codeshare agreement. Once in Iceland, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, from glacier excursions and hot spring visits to whale-watching tours.

An investment in Iceland’s tourism future

This new route represents a strategic investment for Iceland. By developing its links with Asia, the country is diversifying its tourism revenue streams and reducing its reliance on traditional markets. Icelandic authorities have hailed the initiative as a major step in bilateral relations between the two countries, noting that Iceland and China have maintained diplomatic ties for 55 years.

For travelers, this means greater accessibility to a unique destination that combines pristine nature, rich culture, and modern infrastructure. With this new route, Iceland is more than ever a top choice for lovers of vast open spaces and authentic discoveries.

Key takeaways

The launch of Air China’s Beijing-Keflavík route via Copenhagen marks a turning point in Iceland’s accessibility for Asian travelers. With three weekly flights, a codeshare agreement with Icelandair, and increased cargo capacity, this initiative strengthens the island’s position as a hub connecting Europe and Asia. For travelers, it’s an opportunity to discover a unique destination, while for Icelandic businesses, it’s a way to boost exports. A major advance that is set to leave a lasting mark on tourism between the two countries.