Icelandair Pilots Vote to Strike on Charter Flights From November 20; Scheduled Network Excluded

November 12, 2026

Icelandair pilots have voted to strike on charter flying from November 20 if no agreement is reached. The Icelandic Airline Pilots Association (FÍA) says the action covers only third-party charter flights operated by Icelandair or its subsidiary Loftleiðir. Icelandair’s regular scheduled route network is excluded.

The vote

• Turnout was 89.1% of the 621 pilots eligible to vote.
• 94% voted in favor of the strike.
• Strike start: November 20, 2026, if no deal is reached. End date: TBA.

Background

Talks have stalled over pay and over the union’s concern that Icelandair work could be shifted to Malta. Icelandair had earlier sent a pay proposal directly to pilots. Union chairman Jón Þór Þorvaldsson said the goal is a collective agreement, not disruption, and the union was due to meet Icelandair on November 12.

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What it means for non-revs

• Icelandair’s scheduled flights through Keflavík are not part of the action, so standby plans on regular routes should not be directly affected.
• If you are booked on a charter or tour package that uses Icelandair or Loftleiðir aircraft from November 20, check with the tour operator now.
• Labor disputes can spill over. Watch for news after the November 12 talks before listing on Icelandair later in November.

Sources

• Iceland Monitor (mbl.is): Icelandair pilots announce strike in charter operations
• Daily Northern: Icelandair charter pilots vote to strike unless deal is reached
• Iceland Review: Icelandair Pilots to Vote on Limited Charter-Flight Strike