Iceland is set to open air connections to the Philippines, marking one of the most significant expansions of the island nation’s long-haul flight network in recent years. The new route will link Reykjavík with Manila, giving Icelandic travellers a direct gateway to Southeast Asia and offering Filipino visitors a fresh path to one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations.
Key takeaways
- Iceland is opening a new air route connecting Reykjavík to Manila in the Philippines.
- The route represents a major expansion of Iceland’s long-haul international flight network.
- Icelandic and Filipino travellers will both benefit from reduced travel times and fewer connections.
- Ticket pricing and exact launch dates are emerging — check airline booking pages for the latest fares.
- The development follows growing demand for Iceland as a destination among Asian travellers.
Which Airline Is Launching Flights Between Iceland and the Philippines?
According to reporting by Icelandic newspaper Morgunblaðið, the new Iceland–Philippines air connection is tied to expanding international route developments involving carriers operating through Reykjavík. Icelandair, Iceland’s flag carrier and the dominant force at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), has historically been the airline responsible for launching major new long-haul routes from Iceland. However, because this is a developing story, the specific airline or airlines confirmed to operate the Reykjavík–Manila route have not yet been fully detailed in available English-language reports at time of publication.
Readers are advised to monitor Icelandair’s official website and the Keflavík Airport (Isavia) flight information pages for confirmed carrier announcements. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have both shown interest in European expansion routes in recent years, so their involvement cannot be ruled out as this story develops.
When Do Iceland to Philippines Flights Start?
Exact launch dates for the Iceland–Philippines route have not been officially confirmed at the time of writing, but reports indicate the service is being planned within the current aviation scheduling cycle. Airlines typically announce new long-haul routes six to twelve months before the first departure, so travellers interested in being among the first to book should set fare alerts now.
Route launches of this scale often align with the IATA summer or winter scheduling seasons — meaning a mid-2025 or late-2025 start date is plausible based on industry norms. IcelandNow will update this article as confirmed dates are released.
Which Airports Will the New Route Connect?
The route is expected to connect Keflavík International Airport (KEF) — Iceland’s main international airport, located approximately 50 kilometres southwest of central Reykjavík — with Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, the Philippine capital and the country’s busiest aviation hub.
Keflavík handles virtually all of Iceland’s international air traffic. It sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula and is typically a 45-minute drive from downtown Reykjavík along Route 41. For travellers connecting onward within the Philippines, Manila’s airport offers domestic links to Cebu, Davao, Palawan, and dozens of other islands.
How Long Is the Flight from Iceland to the Philippines?
A direct flight from Keflavík (KEF) to Manila (MNL) would cover roughly 9,800 to 10,200 kilometres depending on the flight path, placing the estimated flight time at approximately 13 to 15 hours nonstop. That figure is consistent with comparable ultra-long-haul routes in Europe — for reference, London to Manila runs around 13.5 hours.
Because Iceland sits at a high northern latitude, polar routing is common on trans-Asian flights, which can sometimes reduce eastbound flight times. Any confirmed flight duration will depend on the specific aircraft type and routing chosen by the operating carrier. Current long-haul aircraft capable of this route include the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350, both of which are used on comparable European-to-Southeast-Asia services.
How Much Will Tickets Cost on the New Iceland Philippines Route?
Confirmed ticket prices have not been published at this stage of the route announcement. Based on comparable long-haul fares from Northern European airports to Manila, travellers should expect economy class fares to range broadly from around €600 to €1,200 return at launch, depending on booking lead time, season, and demand. Business class fares on similar routes typically start from €2,500 to €4,000 return.
Icelandic travellers have historically paid a premium for long-haul flights given the limited competition at Keflavík. If multiple carriers compete on this route, fares could fall meaningfully after the initial launch period. Setting up fare alerts through Google Flights or Skyscanner as soon as the route is listed is the most practical way to secure early-bird pricing.
Why Is Iceland Opening This Route Now?
Iceland’s tourism sector has grown dramatically since 2010, and the country has worked steadily to diversify the origins of its visitors beyond the traditional North American and Western European markets. Asian visitor numbers — particularly from South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines — have risen sharply, driven by Iceland’s global profile as a destination for the Northern Lights, volcanic landscapes, and glacier experiences.
At the same time, the Philippines has a large diaspora community across Europe, and a direct Iceland–Manila connection would serve both leisure travellers and those visiting family. For Filipinos already living and working in Iceland — a community that has grown in recent years — the route would reduce the current multi-stop journey that typically routes through Amsterdam, London, or Doha.
Iceland’s aviation market is small but strategically valuable. Keflavík sits near the midpoint of the great-circle route between North America and Europe, which has made it a useful transit hub. Extending that logic further east, toward Asia, is a logical next step as aircraft range improves.
What This Means for Travellers
For international travellers, the route opens a genuinely new itinerary option: combining Iceland’s fire-and-ice landscapes with the beaches, culture, and biodiversity of the Philippine archipelago on a single trip. Travellers flying from Manila would also gain easy onward connections through Keflavík to North America — a journey that currently requires routing through major European hubs.
Practical steps for interested travellers right now:
- Follow Icelandair and the Isavia (Keflavík Airport operator) social channels for confirmed route announcements.
- Set up fare alerts on Google Flights for the KEF–MNL route pair.
- Check whether your existing travel insurance covers long-haul routes if booking early.
- Note that Philippine visa requirements for Icelandic passport holders currently allow visa-free entry for stays up to 30 days — confirm current rules at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs before booking.
- EU and Schengen visa rules apply to Filipino nationals travelling to Iceland — allow adequate processing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct flight from Iceland to the Philippines?
A direct Iceland–Philippines flight route is being reported as in development, connecting Keflavík International Airport (KEF) near Reykjavík with Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Previously, travellers between the two countries had to connect through major European or Middle Eastern hubs such as Amsterdam, London, or Doha. Confirmed operational details are expected to be announced by the operating carrier in the coming months.
How long does it take to fly from Iceland to the Philippines?
A nonstop flight from Keflavík to Manila would take approximately 13 to 15 hours, covering a distance of roughly 9,800 to 10,200 kilometres. The precise duration depends on the aircraft type, routing, and wind conditions. Polar routing, common on North Atlantic and trans-Arctic flights departing Iceland, can reduce eastbound flight times on some itineraries.
Which airport in Iceland serves the Philippines route?
All international long-haul flights from Iceland depart from Keflavík International Airport (KEF), operated by Isavia, on the Reykjanes Peninsula about 50 kilometres southwest of central Reykjavík. There is no commercial international service from Reykjavík’s smaller domestic airport, Reykjavík Airport (RKV), which handles only domestic and select short Greenlandic routes.
Do Filipinos need a visa to visit Iceland?
Yes. Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, so Filipino nationals require a Schengen visa to enter. Applications are typically processed through the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country that is the primary destination or first point of entry. Travellers should apply well in advance of their intended travel date and check the latest requirements through official embassy channels.
Do Icelanders need a visa to visit the Philippines?
Icelandic passport holders can currently enter the Philippines visa-free for stays of up to 30 days for tourism purposes, with the option to extend once in-country. For stays longer than 30 days or for non-tourist purposes, a visa must be obtained in advance from a Philippine embassy or consulate. Always verify current entry requirements with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs before travel, as rules can change.
