Direct flights 
Winnipeg and Edmonton closer to Iceland 

Author: Stefan Jonasson

WestJet will launch direct, nonstop flights to Iceland from two Western Canadian cities – Winnipeg and Edmonton – beginning in June 2026. Both cities will receive weekly service to Iceland during the summer season. The airline will service both routes utilizing its Boeing 737 MAX fleet.

“As part of our summer 2026 schedule, WestJet is bringing back non-stop transatlantic connectivity from Winnipeg with the addition of service to Iceland, reaffirming our commitment to offer convenient and reliable global connectivity for Manitobans,” said April Crane, the company’s vice-president for communications and engagement. “Just as Winnipeg plays a vital role in WestJet’s history, this route also holds a special meaning for Manitoba’s Icelandic community, while expanding the province’s international reach.”

WestJet highlighted Manitoba’s Icelandic community in announcing its Winnipeg route. “Manitoba is home to the world’s largest Icelandic population outside of Iceland, with roots tracing back more than a century to the founding of New Iceland in Gimli. The addition of this new service presents unique opportunities for Manitoba’s Icelandic community and Icelanders alike to reconnect with loved ones.”

“It is truly exciting to see WestJet strengthen its presence in Iceland by launching direct service between Keflavík and two new destinations, Edmonton and Winnipeg,” says Guðmundur Daði Rúnarsson, chief commercial and airport development officer at the Keflavík Airport. “This move reflects the airline’s strong confidence in the Iceland market and further enhances the connectivity between North America and Iceland. We look forward to welcoming WestJet’s travellers and believe these new routes will be an appealing option for Icelanders heading across the Atlantic.”

“We’re excited to continue working with WestJet to connect our community with the places that matter most. Manitoba is home to the largest Icelandic population outside of Iceland and this route will strengthen the deep ties between our regions,” said Nick Hays, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Airports Authority.

Winnipeg hasn’t had direct flights to Iceland since Iceland Express ceased operating its short-lived route in 2011, while Edmonton has been without direct flights since the pandemic, when Icelandair closed most of its North American gateways. While direct flights from both cities will bring a new level of convenience to travellers, daily flights connecting through Calgary will also give them scheduling flexibility.

Weekly service from Winnipeg will commence on June 27 with flights departing on Saturday evenings and arriving early Sunday morning, while the return flights will depart and arrive on Sunday mornings. The flight from Winnipeg to Keflavík is 5 hours and 50 minutes long, while the return flight is 25 minutes longer. Edmonton service begins on June 26 Friday evening flights arriving on Saturday morning and return flights on Saturday mornings. Travel time from Edmonton will be 6 hours and 15 minutes while return flights are 35 minutes longer. The summer season will continue for three months, until September, and if the travel volume is good, we trust they will become permanent summer routes.