Reykjavík council signals longer-term support for airport

Reykjavík City Council has approved zoning changes creating new plots for facilities linked to Reykjavík Airport, in a decision that mbl.is reports reflects a more positive tone towards the airport than that of the previous city administration.

The council approved the amendment on 27 August. The current majority, formed by the Independence Party, Viðreisn and the Progressive Party, said Reykjavík Airport was not expected to leave Vatnsmýri in the near future because no suitable location for a replacement airport had been found.

The majority said planning for the area must reflect that reality and provide the conditions needed for the airport to operate safely and efficiently while it remains there. It also said necessary infrastructure development and maintenance should be able to proceed normally.

The Social Democratic Alliance, which was part of the Reykjavík majority from 2010 to 2026, said the changes were temporary measures relating solely to the airport’s safety and operation while it remains in Vatnsmýri. The party has previously supported moving the airport and developing housing in its place.

The Social Democratic Alliance said the new plots must not restrict plans for a city rail line, walking and cycling paths, or planned community services and quality of life facilities at Nauthólsvegur 50 to 52. It also said the land rights and permissions for the equipment would lapse once the equipment was removed.

The zoning amendment creates a new plot at Nauthólsvegur 64 to 66, where the air traffic control centre and a substation are currently located. Another plot, Nauthólsvegur 58E, will be created at Nauthólsvegur 56 to 60.

Existing building areas within the new 64 to 66 plot will remain unchanged, as will the total permitted floor area above and below ground.

The new plot at Nauthólsvegur 58E will allow airport equipment to be installed, including a mast up to 30 metres high. The mast will carry cameras for a remote air traffic control tower at Reykjavík Airport.

Remote towers have become more widely used at airports across Europe in recent years. They use cameras and information systems covering a 360 degree view to enable airports to be operated remotely.

The plan is for the future air traffic control facilities and control of air traffic to be based at the air traffic control centre on Nauthólsvegur, operated by Isavia Air Navigation Services.