Keflavík Flights Resume After Overnight Air Traffic Control Strike Ends

Flights Return to Normal at Keflavík International Airport

Air traffic at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Iceland's primary international gateway, returned to its regular schedule early Monday morning following the conclusion of an overnight strike by the Icelandic Air Traffic Controllers Association (FÍFÍ). The industrial action, which began at 10 p.m. on Sunday and ended at 3 a.m. on Monday, caused widespread disruption, grounding nearly all flights during the five-hour period. Only one aircraft was permitted to operate while the strike was underway.

Details of the Overnight Stoppage

The strike directly impacted numerous airlines operating out of Keflavík. According to reports, Icelandair cancelled one arrival and rescheduled others, while Wizz Air and Air Baltic cancelled flights. Austrian Air services to and from Vienna were significantly delayed, and Lufthansa also experienced disruptions. While the action also covered Reykjavík Airport, no flights were scheduled during the stoppage window, thus avoiding disruption there.

Core of the Industrial Dispute

The industrial action by the FÍFÍ is rooted in an ongoing dispute over salary demands and the negotiation of a new contract. Air traffic controllers have been without a contract since the beginning of the year and are seeking a substantial pay rise. Arnar Hjálmsson, chair of the Air Traffic Controllers' Association, stated that controllers are not demanding increases beyond those agreed upon in the general market. He highlighted that basic salaries are not high, and significant overtime is often required due to staff shortages.

Conversely, the Confederation of Icelandic Employers (SA), represented by its CEO Sigríður Margrét Oddsdóttir, has warned of the severe economic consequences of such stoppages. Oddsdóttir estimated that each day of total flight stoppage could cost the Icelandic economy approximately ISK 1.5 billion and negatively impact the country's reputation as a travel destination.

Potential for Further Disruptions

Despite the resumption of flights, the underlying dispute remains unresolved. Union chair Arnar Hjálmsson confirmed that a second work stoppage is planned for Tuesday night, which will affect offshore flight operations managed by Isavia ANS, the entity overseeing Iceland's air navigation services. He cautioned that more industrial action could follow if a settlement is not reached. The Icelandic government is closely monitoring the situation, with the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs indicating that intervention is not ruled out should the dispute escalate further.