Quincy, MA, May 12, 2015 – Icelandair today announces further expansion of its global network with new year-round service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Flights will begin March 16, 2016 with four weekly round-trips to Iceland on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with connections to more than 20 destinations in Europe.

Icelandair, in operation since 1937, has a long, illustrious history of providing flights from the United States to Europe, including a 15-year stint from Chicago that began in 1973. Since then, Icelandair has continued to grow as an airline with new aircraft, modern amenities and more destinations. With the announcement of Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Icelandair will now offer service from 15 North American gateways.

"We are excited to return to Chicago as a bigger, better airline that can best serve the dynamic market of this world-class city and its nearly 10 million inhabitants. Chicagoans will now have a refreshing alternative when traveling to Iceland and beyond, and Icelanders and Europeans will have direct access to the vibrant and historic city of Chicago. This is an exciting and significant moment for Icelandair and we look forward to welcoming Chicago aboard," said Birkir Holm Gudnason, CEO of Icelandair.

Icelandair has been the main catalyst in bridging North America and mainland Europe through Iceland, helping boost tourism to its home country in record numbers and making it one of Europe’s hottest destinations. Icelandair flights from Chicago will offer more options when traveling from the Midwest to Europe, with their modern fleet of exclusively Boeing aircraft, three cabins of service, personal in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi capabilities for all passengers.

“Icelandair’s decision to bring nonstop flights to Chicago not only demonstrates the attractiveness of our world-class city for tourism and business opportunities, but highlights O’Hare International Airport as a true global gateway,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Icelandair offers service to Iceland from Boston, Chicago-ORD, Denver, Edmonton, Newark, New York-JFK, Seattle, Toronto, and Washington, D.C.; and seasonal service from Anchorage, Halifax, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Orlando, Portland, OR and Vancouver. Connections through Icelandair’s hub at Keflavik International Airport are available to more than 20 destinations in Scandinavia, the U.K. and Continental Europe. Only Icelandair allows passengers to take an Icelandair Stopover for up to seven nights at no additional airfare.

“We are very pleased to welcome Icelandair to the City of Chicago and our global gateway, O’Hare International Airport,” said Michael Boland, Acting Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation. “New international service at O’Hare increases economic activity, business opportunities and tourism for our region. We look forward to partnering with Icelandair to offer an exceptional travel experience for visitors traveling between Chicago, Iceland and beyond.”

For additional information about Icelandair’s fares to Iceland & beyond please visit us at www.icelandair.com or by calling (877) I-FLY-ICE.

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