Seven Flights Cancelled at Keflavik International Airport, Disrupting Travel to and From Iceland

Widespread Cancellations Impact Keflavik Operations

On December 18, 2025, Keflavik International Airport (KEF) experienced significant travel disruptions as seven key flights operated by Icelandair, Finnair, and Delta Air Lines were cancelled. These cancellations, which occurred over multiple days but were reported collectively on December 18, affected crucial routes connecting Iceland with destinations in Europe and North America, impacting both passenger and cargo services.

Affected Airlines and Routes Detailed

The cancellations spanned a mix of short-haul European connections and long-haul transatlantic services. Icelandair saw several European flights cancelled, including:

• ICE752, a Boeing 767-300 cargo service from Keflavik to Liege, scheduled for Friday.
• ICE578, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 flight to Lisbon's General Humberto Delgado Airport, planned for Thursday.
• ICE544, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 service to Paris Charles de Gaulle, set for Sunday.

Finnair experienced repeated cancellations on its Keflavik–Helsinki corridor, with flight FIN996, operated by an Embraer E190, cancelled on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. This pattern suggested ongoing operational strain for the airline.

For transatlantic travel, Delta Air Lines cancelled flight DAL9936, an Airbus A321neo, which was scheduled to depart Keflavik for Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport on Wednesday.

Impact on Travelers and Operational Challenges

The widespread cancellations had immediate consequences for travelers and logistics operators. Passengers faced challenges such as missed connections, rebooking delays, and longer journey times. Cargo operations also experienced interruptions on time-sensitive routes.

The combination of both passenger and cargo flight cancellations points towards broader operational challenges rather than isolated scheduling adjustments. While specific causes for these particular cancellations were not explicitly detailed, December in Keflavik is known for very cold temperatures, with a high likelihood of rain and snow, which can contribute to operational difficulties. Additionally, Finnair had previously faced pilot strikes earlier in December, leading to numerous cancellations, which could have contributed to ongoing operational pressures.

Continued Monitoring and Passenger Advice

The disruptions underscore the sensitivity of international flight schedules to operational issues at major transit hubs like Keflavik. Authorities and airlines typically advise travelers to monitor their flight status closely and make alternative arrangements as needed. The affected airlines are working to rebook passengers and restore normal operations following these significant disruptions to travel to and from Iceland.