SHANGHAI- Air China (CA) will become the first Asian airline to serve Iceland with the launch of a new Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)–Copenhagen Airport (CPH)–Keflavik International Airport (KEF) route.
The three-times-weekly service begins on October 26, 2026, introducing a unique fifth freedom connection between Denmark and Iceland.
The new route not only strengthens tourism and business links between China and Iceland but also creates a new travel option for passengers flying solely between Copenhagen (CPH) and Keflavik (KEF).
Operated by an Airbus A330-300, the service will also become the only year-round route to Iceland offering fully flat business class beds.
Air China Expansion Network
Air China will operate the new route every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday using its Airbus A330-300. The aircraft is configured with 301 seats, including 30 lie-flat business class seats arranged in a 2-2-2 layout and 271 economy class seats.
- Flight CA807 will depart Beijing at 3:30 a.m. and arrive in Copenhagen at 6:30 a.m.
- After a short stop, the aircraft will continue to Keflavik, departing Copenhagen at 8:45 a.m. and arriving in Iceland at 11:15 a.m.
- The return service, Flight CA808, will leave Keflavik at 1:45 p.m., arrive in Copenhagen at 5:55 p.m., and then continue to Beijing at 8:30 p.m., reaching China the following afternoon.
The complete Beijing-to-Keflavik journey spans approximately 5,820 miles, while the Copenhagen-Keflavik sector covers around 1,337 miles.
Because the route operates under fifth freedom traffic rights, travelers can purchase tickets solely for the Denmark-Iceland segment without continuing to Beijing.
Iceland Premium Flights Network
The launch significantly improves premium travel options to Iceland throughout the year. Although several North American airlines operate seasonal widebody services with lie-flat seats during peak travel months, year-round premium offerings have remained scarce.
Icelandair’s Saga Premium cabin provides a comfortable experience but is generally considered closer to North American domestic first class than international long-haul business class.
Air China’s Airbus A330 changes that equation by introducing fully flat beds on scheduled year-round flights to the country.
Fifth Freedom Benefits Connectivity
Fifth freedom routes remain relatively uncommon in commercial aviation, making Air China’s latest expansion particularly noteworthy.
These services allow airlines to carry passengers between two foreign countries as part of a longer international journey originating in their home nation.
For travelers, the arrangement increases competition and often introduces aircraft or cabin products not previously available on a specific route.
In this case, passengers traveling between Copenhagen and Keflavik will gain access to a long-haul business class product featuring lie-flat seats throughout the year.
The route also represents a strategic addition to Air China’s European network while making Iceland more accessible to passengers from Asia and Europe alike.
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