Flight Delays Due To Labour Dispute

The ongoing dispute between air traffic controllers and management delayed numerous flights last night, and an agreement has still not been reached.

Flights at Keflavík International Airport were limited to only medical or emergency flights, Vísir reports, from 21:00 last night to 7:00 this morning. This is due to a collective bargaining disagreement between the Icelandic Air Traffic Controllers Association (FÍF) and airport management. Talks between the two parties have been at a stand-still, and FÍF has instituted a ban on overtime duties since April 6.

Last night, two air traffic controllers called in sick and, on account of the overtime ban, no one could be called in to replace them. As such, many flights were delayed, affecting some 4,000 passengers. Up until this point, the overtime ban has had little effect on daily flights.

RÚV reports that the Icelandic Travel Industry Association has expressed serious concerns about the labour dispute. While worried that the dispute could hurt Iceland’s image as a destination, they encouraged both parties to work towards reaching an agreement.

The state arbitrator, which is handling the dispute, will call another meeting between the air traffic controllers and airport management on May 9. As more delays may arise, check arrival and departure times here for reference.