Icelandair announced Jan. 26, that it has increased capacity from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, nearly two months prior to the launch of its inaugural flight on March 16. Icelandair will now operate a Boeing 767 on the route instead of a B757. This change will augment capacity during the busy summer season, offering an increase of up to 9,000 additional seats per year.
Year-round service from Chicago O'Hare begins on March 16, and will be Icelandair's 16th gateway from North America with non-stop flights to Iceland and connections to more than 20 destinations in Europe.
"On behalf of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, we are looking forward to welcoming Icelandair's service to Chicago's global gateway, O'Hare International Airport," Ginger S. Evans, commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation. "Icelandair's decision to increase its capacity load on this route is great news for Chicago and is another example of our city's growth in business and tourism."
Icelandair flight FI852 will depart Chicago O'Hare at 7:30 p.m. four days a week, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The flight arrives in Iceland at 6:35 a.m. Return flight FI853 departs from Iceland at 4:45 p.m., with arrival back in Chicago the same day at 6:15 p.m.
"Icelandair looks forward to launching service from Chicago and offering the savvy travelers of the Midwest a refreshing alternative to Iceland and beyond. This increased capacity will provide passengers traveling through O'Hare even more options to Europe and we look forward to welcoming them aboard," said Birkir Holm Gudnason, CEO of Icelandair.
To celebrate the new service, Icelandair, in cooperation with Iceland Naturally, is holding a four day launch celebration during the weekend of March 17 - 20. Festivities will include A Taste of Iceland showcasing Icelandic chefs, musicians and culture throughout the city.
