Wednesday, January 1, 2025 On January 1, 2025, Iceland officially joined EUROCONTROL as its 42nd Member State, marking a significant milestone in its aviation journey and its ongoing integration into Europe’s aviation network. This accession comes exactly a decade after the last Member State joined the organization, highlighting Iceland’s commitment to advancing its role in European air navigation and aviation cooperation. A Longstanding Partnership Iceland has been deeply integrated into the European aviation framework for over 25 years, through its membership in the European Economic Area, the Schengen Area, and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
Additionally, Iceland has collaborated closely with EUROCONTROL since 1998, initially as an observer in the organization’s Provisional Council meetings. In 2022, the partnership took a significant step forward with the signing of a Transitional Agreement. This agreement allowed Iceland to familiarize itself further with EUROCONTROL’s working arrangements, tools, and services, paving the way for full membership.
Operational Collaboration Iceland and EUROCONTROL have worked together extensively on operational matters, particularly in the exchange of data, traffic flow coordination, and airspace management. Notably, this collaboration proved crucial during the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption in 2010, when both parties coordinated efforts to manage the widespread disruption to European air traffic. Leadership Pers.
