Quincy, MA, March 16, 2016 – Icelandair’s year-round service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) begins today, marking their 16th gateway from North America with non-stop flights to Iceland and connections to more than 20 destinations in Europe.

Nearly two months prior to today’s inaugural flight, Icelandair announced an increase in capacity from the Windy City. This service expansion augments capacity with up to 9,000 additional seats per year using of one of their recently acquired Boeing 767s during the busy summer season, in lieu of the regularly scheduled 757.

“On behalf of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, we are looking forward to welcoming Icelandair’s service to Chicago’s global gateway, O’Hare International Airport,” says Ginger S. Evans, Commissioner of the 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 7:30pm four days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, arriving in Iceland the following day at 6:35am. The early morning arrival is the perfect time to start a full day in Iceland or meet connecting flights to the U.K., Scandinavia and Continental Europe. Return flight FI853 departs from Iceland at 4:45pm, with arrival back in Chicago the same day at 6:15pm CST.

“Icelandair is pleased to launch service from Chicago, offering the savvy travelers of the Midwest a refreshing alternative to Iceland and beyond,” says Birkir Holm Gudnason, Icelandair CEO. “In addition, our increased capacity will provide passengers traveling through O’Hare even more options to Europe, and we look forward to welcoming them aboard.”

Today’s arrival of Icelandair’s inaugural flight at O’Hare is being celebrated with honored guests including Icelandair CEO Birkir Holm Gudnason; Iceland’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ragnheidur Elin Arnadottir; and Ambassador of Iceland to the United States, Geir Haarde. Facets of the Icelandic culture will also be incorporated via an Icelandic musical performance, famed hot dog tastings and more. Susan Warner-Dooley, the First Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation will be in attendance and will be giving remarks after the landing.

Following the inaugural flight, Icelandair, in cooperation with Iceland Naturally, is holding a four-day launch celebration during the weekend of March 17-20, 2016. Festivities will include a Taste of Iceland showcase featuring Icelandic chefs, musicians, film and culture throughout the city. For more information on Taste of Iceland, visit www.icelandnaturally.com.

For additional information about Icelandair’s fares to Iceland and beyond, please visit www.icelandair.com or call (877) I-FLY-ICE.