Icelandair is set to discontinue its flight route to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in January 2026. This decision comes despite the airline expanding its network in other parts of the United States. The final scheduled flight for this route will depart on January 6, 2026. The move reflects broader trends of shifting travel demand between Europe and the United States.
Key Takeaways
- Icelandair will cease flights to Detroit (DTW) in January 2026.
- The final flight is scheduled for January 6, 2026.
- The Detroit route started in 2023 as a seasonal service.
- Lower passenger load factors contributed to the decision.
- Icelandair is increasing its overall seat capacity to the US by 8% in 2024.
Detroit Route: A Brief History
The Detroit route was introduced to Icelandair's network in 2023. Initially, it operated as a seasonal service, primarily during the summer months. In 2024, the airline extended the route beyond the typical summer schedule, with flights continuing until December. This extension was also planned for 2025, culminating in the final flight in early 2026.
The airline's internal schedules no longer show services to Detroit beyond January 6, 2026. Additionally, bookings for this route are no longer available on Icelandair's official website. During peak summer periods, flights to Detroit operated up to five times per week. This frequency typically decreased to three or four times weekly during the winter months.
"The Detroit route was one of Icelandair's longer operations using the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, taking approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes for each leg of the journey."
When the Detroit service launched, Icelandair marketed it to both business and leisure travelers. The airline's core business model involves offering connecting flights beyond its hub in Reykjavík to various destinations across Europe. This strategy aimed to provide a convenient transatlantic bridge for passengers from the Detroit area.
Route Details
- Aircraft Type: Boeing 737 MAX 8
- Flight Duration: Approximately 6 hours 25 minutes (one-way)
- Peak Frequency: Up to 5 times weekly
- Overall Ranking: 14th longest route in Icelandair's network
Factors Behind the Suspension
Data indicates that the Detroit route experienced lower passenger load factors compared to some of Icelandair's other US destinations. While load factors were considered reasonable, they did not match the performance of top-performing routes like Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), Orlando (MCO), or Seattle (SEA).
According to the US Department of Transportation data for 2024, the Detroit route was Icelandair's second-weakest route in terms of load factors, just above Pittsburgh. Load factors measure the percentage of available seats occupied by passengers. These figures offer insights into a route's performance but do not directly reflect its overall profitability or yield.
Understanding Load Factors
Load factor is a key metric in the airline industry. It represents the percentage of an aircraft's seating capacity that is filled with passengers. A higher load factor generally means more revenue per flight, but it does not account for ticket prices or operational costs, which impact profitability.
The Detroit route performed better during the summer season, as expected, with flights often exceeding 80% occupancy rates. However, this stronger summer performance was not enough to fully offset the weaker passenger numbers experienced during the winter months. This seasonal imbalance likely played a role in the airline's decision to discontinue the service.
Comparison with Other US Routes
In 2024, Icelandair's average load factors for US destinations showed a clear hierarchy. Routes like Minneapolis (87%), Orlando (86%), and Seattle (86%) were among the strongest performers. Newark, Portland, and Chicago also showed strong performance, each with an 85% average load factor. Detroit's 79% average load factor positioned it lower on this list.
Icelandair 2024 Load Factors (US Destinations)
| Destination | Average Load Factor | Passengers Carried (Roundtrip) |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | 87% | 74,000 |
| Orlando | 86% | 47,000 |
| Seattle | 86% | 197,000 |
| Newark | 85% | 125,000 |
| Portland | 85% | 54,000 |
| Chicago | 85% | 142,000 |
| Denver | 85% | 97,000 |
| Raleigh-Durham | 84% | 77,000 |
| Washington | 83% | 129,000 |
| New York-JFK | 83% | 194,000 |
| Baltimore | 81% | 85,000 |
| Boston | 81% | 243,000 |
| Detroit | 79% | 42,000 |
| Pittsburgh | 74% | 22,000 |
While Detroit outperformed Pittsburgh in terms of load factor, it is important to note that the Pittsburgh route only recently joined Icelandair's network in May 2025. This means Pittsburgh has had less time to establish itself and mature compared to other routes. Icelandair has confirmed that its service to Pittsburgh will continue operating next year, according to reports from the Pittsburgh Business Times.
Icelandair's Broader US Growth
Despite the discontinuation of the Detroit route, Icelandair is actively expanding its overall presence in the United States. The airline plans to offer more than 1,000,000 seats to the US this year, representing an 8% increase year-on-year. This marks the first time Icelandair will surpass the one million seat mark for US travel in a single year.
This growth is largely attributed to several strategic initiatives. The addition of Nashville to the network alone accounts for an increase of 22,000 seats each way. Furthermore, Icelandair has increased flight frequencies and deployed larger aircraft on existing popular routes. For example, Orlando will see an additional 13,000 seats, Denver an additional 12,000 seats, and Seattle an additional 10,000 seats.
The introduction of services to Miami also contributed an additional 5,000 seats each way. These expansions highlight Icelandair's continued commitment to the US market. While the Detroit route did not meet expectations, the airline's broader network in the United States remains strong and is poised for further growth.
Future Expansion Plans
Icelandair is expected to continue adding new destinations in the United States in the coming years. This expansion will be supported by the arrival of new aircraft to its fleet, including its first Airbus A321LR and the eventual delivery of Airbus A321XLRs. These aircraft have longer ranges and greater fuel efficiency, allowing the airline to explore new markets.
According to an interview with Icelandair's North American Director last year, several potential new destinations are under consideration. These include cities in key growth regions such as Texas and California. The airline's strategic focus remains on connecting North America with Europe via its Reykjavík hub, leveraging its growing fleet and established network.
- Total US Seats (2024): Over 1,000,000 (each way)
- Year-on-Year Increase: 8%
- New Destinations: Nashville, Miami
- Fleet Expansion: Airbus A321LR, Airbus A321XLR
- Future Targets: Cities in Texas, California
