Glasgow Airport Marks 80 Years of Icelandair’s First International Flight
Glasgow Airport has celebrated with Icelandair the airlines very first international flight which connected Iceland to Scotland.
Today, (11th July) marks 80 years since four crew members and four passengers took off from Reykjavik aboard a Catalina flugbátur (seaplane), landing in Largs Bay after a six-hour flight at 7,000 feet.
Among the passengers in 1945 were Icelandic merchants travelling to the UK in search of new trade opportunities – marking the beginning of Icelandair’s international service and a lasting connection between the two nations.
To honour this special occasion, Icelandair and Glasgow Airport hosted a range of celebratory activities and exclusive offers for travellers and fans alike.
Celebrations at Glasgow Airport
Passengers departing with the airline today were treated to cake and a limited-edition luggage tag featuring Icelandair’s bespoke tartan – a tribute to the airline’s enduring ties with Scotland.
Special Offers on Saga Premium
To mark the occasion, Icelandair is offering £80 per person off Saga Premium fares. This promotion runs from 11 to 17 July 2025, with travel valid from September 2025 through March 2026 – a great opportunity to experience Icelandair’s premium service while celebrating eight decades of aviation history.
Win a Stopover Adventure
Icelandair is also launching an online competition to thank its Scottish customers for 80 years of support. One lucky winner and up to three companions will enjoy:
- Return flights from Glasgow to one of Icelandair’s North American destinations
- A two-night stay at the Sand Hotel by KEA Hotels in downtown Reykjavik
- A South Coast Wonders tour with ICELANDIA, featuring waterfalls, volcanic beaches, and glaciers
From its early days of propeller aircraft to today’s modern fleet, Icelandair has played a key role in connecting Iceland with the world. Today, the airline operates direct flights between Reykjavik and Glasgow in under 2.5 hours, and serves 18 destinations across North America.
“As we celebrate 80 years since our first international flight, we look back with pride at the connections we've forged between Iceland, Scotland, and beyond,” said Bogi Nils Bogason, CEO of Icelandair.
“From the stunning Highlands to the lava fields of Iceland and beyond — we’re honoured to have flown to Scotland for generations. We look forward to welcoming passengers old and new on board as we continue to bridge our countries and cultures for years to come. Here’s to the next chapter, full of new horizons, shared memories, and more stories written at 30,000 feet!”
A spokesman for Glasgow Airport said: “We’re pleased to mark this special milestone with Icelandair, a valued partner of Glasgow Airport. Their long-standing service reflects the strong ties between Scotland and Iceland, and we look forward to continuing our successful relationship.”
For more details on the anniversary celebrations, offers, and competition, visit www.icelandair.co.uk or follow Icelandair on social media.
