A planned strike by Iceland’s air traffic controllers could cause significant disruption to flights next week, with negotiations between the union and employers showing little progress.
Talks between the Air Traffic Controllers’ Association and the Confederation of Icelandic Employers ended yesterday afternoon without agreement, and no new meeting has yet been scheduled. The dispute centres on pay, with controllers insisting they are not demanding increases beyond those agreed on the general market.
“We are not prepared to accept that the increases and earned rights we already have in our pay scale be used against us now,” said Arnar Hjálmsson, chair of the Air Traffic Controllers’ Association, when talking to Iceland’s national broadcast service, RÚV.
Controllers have announced five separate work stoppages, the first due to take place on Sunday night from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. The actions will affect the approach areas at Keflavík and Reykjavík airports, though emergency, medical and Coast Guard flights will be exempt.
Incoming Turbulence 
Iceland’s international airport in Keflavík. Photo: Páll Stefánsson.
According to estimates, ten passenger aircraft are scheduled to land at Keflavík Airport during the first strike period, six of which are operated by Icelandair.
Icelandair CEO Bogi Nils Bogason warned that the strike would have a direct impact on the airline’s operations and costs.
“They always affect Icelandair first and foremost, even though nearly 30 airlines use the airport,” Bogi said, adding that the company has limited flexibility to deal with a strike.
He noted that Icelandair is not directly involved in the air traffic controllers’ negotiations but stressed that “sensible agreements” between companies and unions are needed soon, as the airline’s own contracts with pilots and cabin crew are also awaiting renewal.
Arnar rejected suggestions that the actions target Icelandair specifically.
“There are different times, dates, and regions covered by each stoppage, so this is not directed at any one airline more than another.”
If no progress is made in the coming days, the planned strikes are expected to cause widespread delays and cancellations across Iceland’s main airports.