Icelandic women and non-binary people are observing a nationwide strike on October 24, 2025, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking 1975 Women's Day Off. The action aims to highlight persistent gender inequality, including the pay gap and gender-based violence, echoing demands from five decades ago.
Leaders from Iceland and Greenland, Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir and Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen, have renewed their cooperation declaration. The agreement, reported on October 23, 2025, emphasizes strengthening ties in trade, fisheries, education, and infrastructure, building on a 2022 accord. Both nations aim to accelerate a bilateral trade agreement and explore telecommunications infrastructure.
A significant earthquake swarm, featuring a M4.5 tremor, struck Iceland's Mýrdalsjökull glacier area on October 20, 2025. The Icelandic Meteorological Office confirmed no signs of volcanic eruption or glacial outburst flood, despite it being the strongest seismic activity in the region since May 2023.
Three mosquitoes of the species Culiseta annulata have been discovered in West Iceland, marking the first confirmed presence of mosquitoes on the island. This historic finding ends Iceland's long-held distinction as one of the few mosquito-free regions globally, with scientists linking the development to ongoing climate change.
Iceland and Germany have formalized a defense cooperation agreement, deepening security ties in the North Atlantic and Arctic. Signed by Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, the pact focuses on maritime logistics, surveillance, and critical infrastructure protection, addressing increased Russian activity in the region.
Flights at Keflavík International Airport returned to normal early Monday after an overnight strike by the Icelandic Air Traffic Controllers Association (FÍFÍ) concluded. The five-hour stoppage, stemming from a salary dispute, grounded nearly all flights and caused significant disruption, with further industrial action threatened.
Iceland has seen a significant surge in online fraud, with incidents in the first four months of 2025 matching the total for all of 2024. Criminals are increasingly targeting elderly individuals, leading to losses exceeding 200 million krónur in the first half of the year.
The annual Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavík, Iceland, gathered almost 3,000 delegates from over 70 countries from October 17-19, 2024. The event prominently featured discussions on defense, security, and geopolitical shifts in the Arctic, alongside climate change and sustainable development.
Iceland's new infrastructure tax of ISK 2,500 per cruise passenger, effective January 1, 2025, has led to a sharp decline in port calls and significant revenue losses. Over 80 cancellations were reported in January, with major ports like Akureyri, Westman Islands, and Grundarfjörður heavily impacted, raising concerns for local economies.
A magnitude 4.0 earthquake, followed by several aftershocks, was recorded in Iceland's Bárðarbunga caldera late on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported the seismic activity, noting it is not unusual for the active volcanic system. No damage or disruptions have been reported.
A moderate magnitude 4.4 earthquake occurred in Iceland's Bárðarbunga caldera on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 9:59 pm local time. The seismic event, located approximately 208 km from Reykjavik, was followed by several aftershocks, with no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Iceland's Minister of Infrastructure, Eyjólfur Ármannsson, has introduced new regulations preventing aircraft deregistration without settling outstanding payments to airport operator Isavia. The move follows recent airline bankruptcies, including PLAY and WOW air, which left significant unpaid airport charges.
Reykjavík city officials have discovered and will utilize the long-forgotten Guðjón Sigurðsson Music Fund, established over a century ago. The fund, now dissolved, will contribute 11 million ISK to the Reykjavík Music Fund, specifically targeting public concerts and children's music projects, fulfilling its founder's original intent.
Iceland's Minister of Infrastructure, Eyjólfur Ármannsson, has introduced new regulations preventing aircraft deregistration without settling outstanding payments to airport operators. The move follows recent airline bankruptcies, including PLAY and WOW air, which left significant unpaid airport charges.
Icelandic low-cost carrier PLAY Airline ceased operations and declared bankruptcy on September 29, 2025, leaving behind a substantial 1.6 billion ISK carbon emissions bill. The payment, linked to the EU's emissions trading system, was due the day after its collapse, adding to the airline's significant financial woes.
Wolt has officially launched a new home delivery service for Costco in Iceland, allowing customers to order a wide range of products directly from the Garðabær warehouse. The service promises delivery in under an hour, seven days a week, and notably, does not require a Costco membership for shopping, though members receive price benefits. This marks Wolt's first Costco partnership in Europe.
The Icelandic Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for Eastfjords and Southeast Iceland. A strong storm with northwesterly winds of 18-25 m/s, and gusts up to 45 m/s, is expected overnight into Friday, causing hazardous driving conditions and urging residents to secure outdoor items.
Iceland's Prime Minister, Kristrún Frostadóttir, has indicated a potential reassessment of airline oversight after the sudden shutdown of low-cost carrier PLAY on September 29, 2025. The collapse left approximately 1,750 passengers stranded and 400 employees jobless, prompting government action and renewed scrutiny of aviation regulations in Iceland.
Iceland's Foreign Minister, Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir, addressed the UN General Assembly, labeling Israel's actions in Gaza as 'cruel,' 'inhumane,' and 'illegal,' and warning of 'systematic ethnic cleansing.' She called for an immediate ceasefire, full humanitarian access, and the unconditional release of all hostages.
Air Iceland Connect has cancelled two crucial flights, FXI133 and FXI134, between Keflavik International Airport in Iceland and Narsarsuaq Airport in Greenland. The cancellations, which occurred on Saturday, September 27, 2025, have caused significant travel disruptions and left numerous passengers stranded with no immediate alternative solutions. The reasons for the cancellations remain undisclosed.
