Cold weather, that strange concept most Miami locals dismiss as a myth, now has a direct gateway from Miami International Airport. Icelandair has launched its first ever nonstop flight from Miami to Reykjavik, finally allowing South Floridians to go somewhere where sweat is not an unavoidable part of the human condition.
Rosanne Chastanet, a 36 year old engineer from Kendall, practically floated through Concourse E as she prepared to chase her bucket list dream of seeing the northern lights. Her timing was impeccable. She boarded the inaugural Miami to Iceland flight without realizing she had become part of South Florida aviation history, a phrase that sounds grand until you remember most of our history involves airports, humidity, and iguanas falling from trees.
Standing at her side was her mother, Rose, a woman who willingly seeks out temperatures in the 50s. In the summer. She was thrilled at the idea of a vacation that did not involve SPF 70, afternoon thunderstorms, or dodging scooters on Ocean Drive.
The Chastanets were greeted at the gate with a ceremony, complete with ribbon pieces held aloft by flight attendants who looked like they were auditioning for an Arctic edition of a cruise ship welcome party. Inside awaited Icelandair’s new Airbus A321LR, a single aisle aircraft boldly taking on a transatlantic route in the aviation equivalent of wearing flip flops to a black tie event and making it work.
The debut flight was nearly full, a fact that delighted Icelandair CEO Bogi Nils Bogason, who flew in solely to celebrate and remind Miami that cold weather is, in fact, real. He reported strong demand and teased introductory round trip fares as low as 399 dollars, with some November tickets dipping even lower. Miami residents suddenly had a new vision of affordable paradise, one that did not involve Key West or the Turnpike.
The flights will operate three times a week until the end of May 2026. Miami will host World Cup games a month later, but Icelandair will not be sticking around for that. Bogason explained they simply do not have enough aircraft at the moment, a reminder that even airlines sometimes run on vibes and optimism.
Still, Icelandair has plenty to be positive about. Passenger numbers are at a record high, and the airline sees Miami as a natural fit for travelers craving either snow or sunburn. With connections to 30 European cities and the enticing option of free stopovers in Iceland for up to seven days, the route also promises to divert some Europe bound travelers who might otherwise slog through Heathrow or Charles de Gaulle.
South Florida is also becoming quite the cold climate hub. Finnair is returning in December with flights to Helsinki. SAS is back with flights to Copenhagen and Stockholm. Porter Airlines has resumed Toronto service for those who like their cold with a side of maple syrup. Apparently, Miami is now the place you fly to before heading to places where your breath becomes visible.
Onboard the first Icelandair departure were John and Maureen Saxby, a British couple who had just wrapped up a cruise and discovered that their package deal included a surprise flight home through Iceland. They did not know they were part of history either, but they were good sports about it. The free cake probably helped.
For South Floridians, Iceland promises dramatic scenery, hot springs, glaciers, geysers, black sand beaches, and a chance to feel your face go numb in a way that has nothing to do with cosmetic procedures. Travelers this winter may catch the northern lights during a solar maximum, which sounds like science fiction but is simply nature showing off.
Travel advisors recommend Iceland’s southern coast for adventures involving waterfalls, volcano shaped landscapes, puffin colonies, and other natural wonders not found at Bayside Marketplace. And in August 2026, the country will be in the path of a total solar eclipse, provided the famously unpredictable skies cooperate.
Even those who usually escape Miami’s heat in RVs are considering swapping Tennessee mountains for Icelandic glaciers. Cheryl Cole, a 74 year old retiree on the inaugural flight, said she would return in summer without hesitation.
Bucket lists normally involve one time experiences. Yet just an hour before boarding, Rosanne Chastanet had already upgraded hers. She announced she was certain she would return for a second trip. When a Miami traveler voluntarily signs up for more cold weather, you know the flight is on to something.
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