Increasing Number Of Unlicensed Flights In Iceland

In recent years, Icelandic air traffic has seen an increase in unlicensed flights, especially around the time of the annual national festival Þjóðhátíð. The consequences for these unauthorised operators can be severe, Vísir reports.

Check beforehand

The Icelandic flight industry has been flourishing under the steadily increasing numbers of tourists. This is true of both passenger flights and sightseeing flights. Yet, not all of the offers available on the internet are by licensed operators. The Icelandic Transportation Agency thus urges customers who are booking a flight to check whether the operator in question has a valid license before purchasing the service.

“These are small aircrafts, not large carriers,” Þórhildur Elínardóttir, the Communications Manager of the Transportation Agency, reported to Vísir. Isavia oversees the major airports in Iceland, but throughout the country, there are airports and landing sites that are not under their control.

The consequences

The consequences for the violation of air traffic law can be severe. Offering unlicensed flights results in hefty fines and in the worst case, imprisonment. There, we at the Grapevine would not recommend getting in an unlicensed flight—unless of course you’re desperate to the give the government money or go to jail.