As of January 1, 2025, Iceland officially joined EUROCONTROL as its 42nd Member State, marking a significant milestone in European air navigation. This accession comes ten years after the last member state joined the organization and reinforces Iceland’s long-standing involvement in European aviation.
Iceland’s integration into EUROCONTROL aligns with its existing connections within Europe, including membership in the European Economic Area (EEA), the Schengen Area, and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). For over 25 years, Iceland has been a key collaborator with EUROCONTROL, engaging in air navigation coordination, data exchange, and operational matters.
Iceland’s journey toward full membership began in 1998 when it started participating as an observer in EUROCONTROL’s Provisional Council. This collaboration intensified in 2022, culminating in the signature of a Transitional Agreement that facilitated the transition to full membership in 2025.
EUROCONTROL has highlighted Iceland’s critical role in air navigation, particularly during significant events like the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption in 2010, which showcased the effective coordination between Iceland and EUROCONTROL.
Raúl Medina, Director General of EUROCONTROL, expressed his pleasure in welcoming Iceland, emphasizing the collaboration that led to this achievement. Jón Gunnar Jónsson, Director General of the Icelandic Transport Authority, noted that Iceland’s geographic position as a bridge between continents makes aviation vital to its economy, and joining EUROCONTROL was a natural progression in strengthening the country’s role in European aviation.
This membership reinforces Iceland’s commitment to furthering its relationship with EUROCONTROL and contributes to the broader European aviation network.
