Iceland joins Eurocontrol
January 5, 2025
Iceland has joined EUROCONTROL, becoming its 42nd member state as of 1 January 2025.
This marks the first addition to the European air navigation organisation’s membership in a decade, further strengthening Iceland’s integration into Europe’s aviation network.
Already deeply connected to Europe through its participation in the European Economic Area, Schengen Area, and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Iceland has a long history of cooperation with EUROCONTROL.
For over 25 years, the nation has been engaged in aviation-related collaboration, including operational coordination and data exchange.
Iceland’s journey to full membership has been gradual. Since 1998, the country has attended EUROCONTROL’s Provisional Council meetings as an observer, gaining insight into the organisation’s tools and services. This cooperation intensified in 2022 with the signing of a Transitional Agreement, laying the groundwork for full membership.
Iceland has played a vital role in Europe’s aviation network, particularly during the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption, which caused widespread airspace disruptions. Its accession to EUROCONTROL formalises this long-standing collaboration, enabling even closer coordination on air traffic management, airspace planning, and operational challenges.
EUROCONTROL, said: “It is with genuine pleasure that I welcome Iceland as our 42nd Member State. The accession of Iceland is testament to the huge amount of work that has happened on both sides since the formal exchange of letters in August 2020 launching the accession process.
“It is excellent news for the Agency, and for the European aviation network as a whole. My sincere thanks to all those who have helped to make this key step possible – my EUROCONTROL team as well as all our partners at ICETRA, Isavia ANS, the Icelandic Ministry of Infrastructure, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, among many others.”
