Iceland and Kosovo signed a framework agreement concerning the management of the lower airspace from ground level to flight level FL205 over Kosovo (management of airspace above FL205 has been delegated to Hungarian control since 2014). The Commander of KFOR retains the authority over security in the lower airspace over Kosovo, which has been closed to civil air traffic except for flights to and from Pristina airport.
Press Officer of Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sveinn H. Guðmarsson told Flugblogg, Iceland contributes to the KFOR mission in Kosovo through the provision of assistance in the efforts to normalize the lower airspace over the country.
“Following a request from NATO Secretary-General at a meeting with Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, June 2019, Icelandic authorities assigned an Icelandic aviation expert to serve as a special advisor to the Commander of KFOR. Iceland has in the past taken part in the KFOR mission by certifying and later managing Pristina airport as well as training local air traffic controllers”, said Sveinn H. Guðmarsson.
Press-office of KFOR, the NATO-led International mission in Kosovo, explained Flugblogg that KFOR has the overall authority in the airspace over Kosovo.
“Iceland, operating though Icelandic Transport Authority will provide management support to KFOR with regards to the status of air traffic management in the lower airspace over Kosovo. It will as well work closely with relevant Air Navigation Service Providers in the region and support their work of establishing new air routes in the lower airspace. Icelandic representatives will be working in Kosovo on both short and long terms assignments. The partnership with KFOR is one of the many examples of Iceland’s commitment – as an Ally – to NATO missions and operations”, – said representatives of KFOR.
Press officer of Isavia Guðjón Helgason added, that Isavia is not a participant of the project this time.
