Show menu

Iceland ATC Midday Stop Is Lifted, More Actions Possible

Keflavík control tower and terminal during active operations after Iceland ATC stoppage was lifted.
by
3 min read

Key points

  • Midday stoppage at Keflavík was canceled today
  • Talks continue between controllers and employers
  • Further actions are possible next week
  • Emergency, ambulance, Coast Guard flights are exempt

Impact

What Changed
Today's planned 12:00-17:00 local work stoppage at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) was called off.
Why It Matters
Near-term disruption eases, but rolling actions remain possible while negotiations continue.
Dates
Friday, October 24, 2025; future actions may be scheduled next week pending talks.
What To Do
Monitor airline messages and KEF flight boards; emergency and state operations remain exempt.

Iceland's air traffic controllers canceled a planned work stoppage scheduled for 1200-1700 local time (1200 p.m.-500 p.m./1200-1700, GMT) on October 24, 2025, limiting near-term disruption at Keflavík International Airport (KEF). The union has also called off Saturday's action, but bargaining continues and further steps remain possible next week. Travelers should still check their airline communications and Keflavík's live departures and arrivals for any residual schedule changes.

Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and the ATC dispute

RÚV, Iceland's public broadcaster, confirms today's and Saturday's stoppages were withdrawn while talks continue between the Icelandic Air Traffic Controllers' Association and the employer side tied to Isavia ANS, which oversees Iceland's air navigation services. The government has not ruled out intervening if the dispute drags on.

Latest developments

  • Canceled actions: Friday's midday action and Saturday's planned stoppage were both lifted.
  • Bargaining status: Talks remain unresolved after last week's opening strike and subsequent sessions that ended without agreement. Ministers have signaled possible state involvement if needed.
  • Exemptions that still apply in any action: Search and Rescue missions, ambulance flights, and Icelandic Coast Guard operations. Keflavík's operator has reiterated these exemptions.

Analysis

For passengers booked to, from, or through KEF, today's cancellation reduces near-term risk of missed connections and diversions. However, with negotiations ongoing and officials discussing potential intervention, intermittent job actions can return on short notice next week. Build contingency time into itineraries and monitor your airline's rebooking options.

Background Air traffic control, ATC, actions in Iceland affect approach and en-route services for both Keflavík and Reykjavík domestic operations, so even brief stoppages can ripple across inbound long-haul banks. This week began with an overnight strike from 1000 p.m./2200 to 300 a.m./0300 on October 19-20, which temporarily halted most scheduled movements at KEF.

For practical day-of planning, see Adept's running delay outlook for U.S. and transatlantic connections: Flight Delays and Airport Impacts: October 24, 2025.

Final thoughts

With today's ATC stoppage lifted, Iceland travel stabilizes for now at Keflavík International Airport. Keep watch on union-employer talks and prepare for short-notice advisories if additional Iceland ATC actions are announced next week.

Sources

Topics