Rules of the air and air traffic noise reduction

The following applies to flight altitudes in Iceland:

• Over urban areas aircraft shall not be flown at altitudes lower than 1,000 ft (approximately 300 metres).

• Over rural areas aircraft shall not be flown at altitudes lower than 500 feet (150 metres).

• Take-offs and landings are excluded from these restrictions, in addition to which special permission can be granted. Landlords may also grant special permission to land on their land.

• Departure and approach to an airport, known as the traffic circuit, as well as visual routes to and from an airport are subject to special arrangements.

• Much progress has been made in engine development and technology continues to help with emission and noise abatement. New aircraft meet stricter requirements than older ones.

• Most airports are currently subject to specific measures to reduce noise from aircraft, both through route restrictions, opening hours, recommendations and special conditions. Such measures are constantly evolving.

• Laws and regulations and various measures and restrictions are followed in accordance with the requirements and recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), of which Iceland is a member.

• Efforts are made to meet the environment through continuous progress and measures are based on existing rules and requirements.

• Pilots need to be considerate of their environment in the same way that the public realises that aviation is part of society, as other vehicles and activities are.

• From the ground, it may be difficult to assess the altitude of a specific aircraft. This can depend on, for example, the landscape, weather conditions and perspective.

Any noise observations made by aircraft should be addressed to the appropriate health committee, which will supervise the implementation of the regulation on noise. Comments regarding flight altitudes can be sent electronically to Samgöngustofa.