Concerns raised over tree growth impacting operations at Reykjavik Airport in Iceland

Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of operations at Reykjavik Airport due to tree growth in the Öskjuhlíð area. Njáll Trausti Friðbertsson, a member of the Environment and Communications Committee of the Icelandic Parliament and an air traffic controller, emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue to ensure aviation safety.

The Icelandic Transport Authority has given Isavia and the City of Reykjavik until September 2nd to reduce the tree cover in Öskjuhlíð. The height of the trees is believed to affect incoming and outgoing flights at Reykjavik Airport. However, city experts disagree with Isavia’s assessment that 2,900 trees must be removed, proposing instead that the number should not exceed 40.

In a recent discussion, Njáll expressed concern that the city’s majority does not take the matter seriously enough, suggesting that the communication history between Reykjavik City and the Transport Authority be reviewed. He argues for a timeline of correspondence dating back to 2011 to better understand the situation.

He also highlighted the importance of prioritizing medical air transport, stating it must be given the utmost attention. While acknowledging the committee’s oversight role, he remarked that infrastructure must receive certain protections.

Reykjavik City has requested an independent evaluation from the Transport Authority, as its previous position has relied heavily on Isavia’s judgments. Njáll asserted the need for a solution that facilitates access to the airport, criticizing the current proposal for a new airport in Hvassahraun as unrealistic. He hopes for an agreement between Reykjavik City and Isavia within the six-week extension granted by the Transport Authority.