Icelandair and Air China sign codeshare deal for Iceland–China

Icelandair and Air China have signed a codeshare agreement intended to improve connections between Iceland and China. According to AeroTime, Icelandair announced the deal on 27 October 2026. The routes covered and the date it takes effect have not yet been disclosed.

What the agreement provides

Under the arrangement, customers of both carriers will be able to book journeys across the two airlines' networks on a single ticket, with baggage checked through to the final destination, AeroTime reports. The deal involves Icelandair, which is based at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), and Air China, the Beijing-based flag carrier of China.

AeroTime says the partnership gives Icelandair access to Air China's large network in one of the world's biggest aviation markets. It also gives Air China's passengers easier access to Iceland.

Building on the Beijing–Reykjavik route

The agreement builds on Air China's scheduled service between Beijing and Reykjavik. Qu Guangji, President of China National Aviation Holding Corporation and Air China, described it as China's first such route and, in his words, "currently the only scheduled passenger route connecting East Asia and Southeast Asia directly with Iceland."

Icelandair's President and CEO, Bogi Nils Bogason, said the partnership was an important step in strengthening the airline's route network and widening its set of partner airlines. He said it would allow Icelandair to offer customers better connections to many destinations in China.

Qu said the cooperation would give passengers in both countries more convenient travel options and strengthen links between the two countries' aviation networks.

What this means for travellers

The practical benefits described so far are simpler bookings and baggage handling. A single ticket with bags checked through means passengers would not need to collect and recheck luggage when changing between the two airlines, and would normally be covered on the whole journey under one booking.

• Travellers in Iceland and beyond may gain easier onward connections to destinations in China through Air China's network.
• Chinese travellers may find it simpler to reach Iceland and, potentially, to connect onwards via Icelandair.

It is not yet known which routes will carry the codeshare codes, when tickets will go on sale, or whether onward links to Europe and North America will be included. Travellers should wait for the airlines to confirm details before planning itineraries around the deal.

Sources: AeroTime