Strike threatens Icelandair operations

Icelandair operations are bound to be affected by the ongoing strike of State-employed flight mechanics, says a spokesman for the airline.

Flight mechanics employed by the Icelandic Transport Authority have been on strike since 11 January in a dispute over pay and working conditions.

“The strike has not caused us any problems yet, but it is only a matter of time,” warns Icelandair Communications Officer Guðjón Arngrímsson. “It will eventually hit our operations, but it is not easy to predict exactly when.”

The most likely effect is delayed or cancelled flights caused by not being able to operate all available aircraft.

These concerns are echoed by Director of Icelandic domestic airline Eagle Air, Hörður Guðmundsson, who warns that the strike will have a negative effect on all flight operations in Iceland. The airline has reportedly been losing some ISK 3 million (approx. €21,000) a day since the strike began.