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🇮🇸 Iceland News
Icelandair pilots announce strike in charter operations
“Voter turnout was 89.1 percent, and 94 percent voted in favor of a strike on November 20 if no agreement is reached,” Jón Þór Þorvaldsson, chairman of the Icelandic Airline Pilots Association, tells mbl.is regarding the planned strike by Icelandair pilots in charter operations.
Long and Lee Child attend Iceland Noir opening reception
The international crime fiction festival Iceland Noir got off to a glamorous start at Vinnustofa Kjarvals yesterday.
Grindavík residents offered three-year right to return to repurchased homes
People living in Grindavík will have the chance to buy back their properties. These homes were previously purchased by the real estate company Þórkatla after volcanic activity occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Residents can repurchase the properties at the same price the company paid for them.
Slogans painted on Bandero
Bandero, a vessel belonging to the Paul Watson organization, has been connected to shore power. As a result, the ship's auxiliary generator has been switched off, and the rumbling of its engine can no longer be heard around Reykjavík Harbour.
Aiming to make Iceland one of the world's leading wellness destinations
Executives at the Blue Lagoon have set a long-term goal for Iceland. They want the country to become one of the top global destinations for wellness and experiences. This objective is planned for the next five to ten years.
“Completely unacceptable service”
The CEO of Primary Health Care of the Capital Area has described current service levels as unacceptable. This follows reports that patients feel ignored or cannot reach healthcare professionals. The organization is now working to reduce telephone response times. There is also a push to standardize services at clinics throughout the capital area.
Prosecutor seeks five to six years in prison for alleged stalker
The prosecutor is seeking a prison sentence of five to six years for Íris Helga Jónatansdóttir, who is charged with stalking, defamation, false accusations, forgery, and violations of child protection laws.
Brain tumor discovered after alleged inaction by healthcare clinic
Björn Árni Ágústsson claims that a health technology company called Intuens saved his life. He sought help from the company after alleging inaction by a healthcare clinic. The company discovered a large tumor in his brain.
“Reykjavík is becoming known as a prostitution hub”
The Minister of Justice has introduced a new bill regarding prostitution. The minister does not intend for buyers of sexual services to face actual prison time. Instead, these offenses would likely result in suspended sentences. The primary aim is to lower demand for these services. The government plans to achieve this by making the names of buyers public. This approach is intended to increase deterrence.
Driver dies following accident on Snæfellsnesvegur
A driver died after a vehicle veered off Snæfellsnesvegur near Kleifá. The accident happened yesterday morning. The driver was airlifted to Landspítali University Hospital before passing away.
Construction of Borgarlína infrastructure underway
The second phase of construction work on transport infrastructure near Nauthólsvegur and Reykjavík University (HR) is now beginning.
Young foreign tourists: Both hospitalized
Two foreign tourists were injured when a vehicle drove into the Kleifá river. Both victims were taken to hospital for treatment. The incident occurred earlier today.
Lee Child heading to Iceland
Thriller writer Lee Child is the most prominent guest for this year's Iceland Noir literary festival. The event begins next Wednesday and runs through Saturday. The festival will feature a full program of activities.
Obituary: Sæmi Rokk
Sæmi Rokk Pálsson passed away yesterday morning at the age of 90. He was also known as Sæmundur Pálsson. During his life, he worked as an actor, a police officer, a dancer, and a bodyguard.
Serious car accident near Kleifá
An Icelandic Coast Guard helicopter was sent on a high priority mission today. The dispatch occurred between 10 and 11 a.m. following a car accident near Kleifá. The incident took place on the Snæfellsnes peninsula and was believed to be serious.
Installation of new radar stations underway
The Icelandic Coast Guard is installing four new radar stations. This project aims to increase the surveillance of coastal waters. The agency stated that these installations will improve safety for maritime activities.
Photos: Lively opening night at Iceland Airwaves
The Iceland Airwaves festival began yesterday with energetic concerts in downtown Reykjavík. Daði Freyr performed at Harpa with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. Various other Icelandic and international artists played at smaller venues across the city.
Kourani suspected of being behind bomb threats
Mohamad Thor Jóhannesson is suspected of making bomb threats. He was previously known as Mohamad Kourani. The threats were directed at businesses and institutions in Iceland.
NATO commander visits Iceland
General Nick Perry has visited Iceland. He is the new commander of NATO's Joint Force Command Norfolk. This was his first official visit to the country.
Schools sent guidelines following bomb threats
The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police issued guidelines to school administrators and managers in Reykjavík City. These instructions explain how to respond to bomb threats. An email sent to the officials noted that several institutions in the city have already received threats.
Facebook blocks ads for Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson's book
Meta is blocking Facebook advertisements for a new book written by former Icelandic President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson. The book is called Vegferð um veröldina, which translates to A Journey Around the World. It details a period of the former president's life. The text covers his time as a student in Britain and his work in international politics. It also discusses his interactions with foreign leaders and his road to the 1996 presidential election.
Relocating road would be a major undertaking
The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration will repair the hole that formed in the rockfall barrier at Holtsnúpur beneath Eyjafjöll following a rockslide shortly before noon yesterday.
Proposed tourist fee may breach EEA rules
"If the government intends to introduce a nature and infrastructure fee, it is clear that for such a fee to be lawful, it must be non-discriminatory. Consequently, everyone would have to pay it, including Icelanders," says Haraldur Þór Jónsson, mayor of Skeiða- og Gnúpverjahreppur, in an interview with Morgunblaðið.
Spent nearly 24 hours at Keflavík Airport, denied compensation
The Reykjavik District Court rejected a lawsuit filed by an Albanian citizen seeking compensation for a prolonged stay at Keflavík Airport. The plaintiff had been denied entry to Iceland and was forced to remain at the airport for almost a full day. He argued that the denial entitled him to financial redress. The court concluded that the state was not liable for the missed entry and the subsequent airport stay. The decision leaves the claimant without the compensation he requested. The case highlights the challenges faced by travelers denied permission to enter the country.
Icelandic government purchases equestrian facilities
The Icelandic government has completed the purchase of equestrian facilities. The acquisition includes the Brúnastaðir stables and an indoor riding arena located at Hólar in Hjaltadalur.
Reykjavík forecasts ISK 2.8 billion surplus next year
Reykjavík City's budget for next year projects a surplus of ISK 2.8 billion in the city's core operations (Part A). Meanwhile, the city's updated forecast for this year anticipates an operating deficit of ISK 6.6 billion.
Trial begins in alleged stalking case
The trial of Íris Helga Jónatansdóttir began at Reykjanes District Court yesterday.
New cancer vaccine raises hopes
A new cancer vaccine uses genetic sequencing from a patient's cancer cells after a tumor is surgically removed. This treatment aims to lower the risk of cancer returning in patients who had high-risk melanoma removed. It may lead to a substantial increase in survival chances.
Father and son detained in murder investigation: Knife recovered
An Icelandic man in his 30s and his father are among three people being held in connection with a murder investigation in Breiðholt overnight. All three are expected to be questioned today.
“I'm not allowed to keep these at home”
At the offices of Kontent, a journalist met Jón Gunnar Geirdal, a creative entrepreneur and avid book lover, among other things. The walls are lined with large bookshelves filled with books, but not just any books. These are books he read as a teenager, complete with their original covers.
Man dies following stabbing attack in Breiðholt
A man in his thirties died following an assault in Breiðholt. Police received a report of the stabbing attack shortly before 1:30 a.m.
19-year-old farmer: “This is so dangerous”
Heimir Sigurpáll Árnason is a 19-year-old sixth-generation sheep farmer. He believes that farming requires ambition and determination. He also asserts that there should be specific standards within agriculture, particularly for sheep farming.
Prices reduced on new cars
Bílabúð Benna has lowered the prices of its vehicles. Some price cuts reach up to ISK 1.5 million. These changes are already in effect.
Boeing 777-9 undergoing tests in Iceland
The first Boeing 777-9 aircraft landed at Keflavík International Airport on Tuesday. This aircraft will stay in Iceland until next week. During this time, it will undergo tests to assess how it performs in challenging weather conditions.
China signals closer cooperation with Iceland
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for closer cooperation with Iceland. These remarks were made during a press conference in Beijing. He spoke alongside Icelandic Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir.
“We all benefit from keeping prices in check”
A speaker noted that the 12-month inflation rate has remained unchanged. While they view the lack of an increase as positive, they believe the current rate is still too high. The speaker argued that keeping prices in check benefits everyone.
US Embassy Issues security alert
The US Embassy in Reykjavík has issued a security alert. The embassy plans to close its doors earlier than usual today. This decision follows planned protests scheduled to take place outside the facility at Engjateigur 7.
No trace of Lúðvík Pétursson found during search
Search operations for the remains of Lúðvík Pétursson have ended. He fell into a sinkhole in Grindavík in January 2024. Suðurnes Police announced the decision to stop the search last night. This decision followed a review of the current risk assessment. No further search operations will be conducted.
Municipal debt exceeds limits in several areas
Three Icelandic municipalities exceeded debt limits at the end of last year. These limits were established by the debt rule. Several other municipalities were also close to breaching the same threshold.
“Partnership with Air China an important step”
Icelandair and Air China have entered into a codeshare agreement. This partnership is intended to strengthen the connections between Iceland and China.
Reykjavik Fibre Network to be sold
Shareholders of Reykjavik Fibre Network recently approved a proposal to begin steps toward changing the company's ownership. The company is currently fully owned by Orkuveitan. This decision still requires final approval from the owners of Orkuveitan.
Search for Lúðvík Pétursson's remains to begin tomorrow
A search operation for the remains of Lúðvík Pétursson is set to begin tomorrow. The man fell into a sinkhole while working in Grindavík in January 2024. The activity is scheduled to start around 9 a.m. at Vesturhóp 29.
Large hotel to open next to Forest Lagoon next year
A large hotel is currently being built next to the Forest Lagoon in Akureyri. The facility will cover 10,500 square metres. It is designed to include 120 rooms. The hotel is scheduled to open next year.
“The nerdiest thing I've ever done!”
Speech therapist Signý Gunnarsdóttir and her 20-year-old son Gunnar Hrafn enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles together. The university student and his mother decided to test their skills this year. They traveled to Spain in September. They participated in the World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship held in Valladolid.
Ari Eldjárn takes the stage at Royal Danish Theatre
Comedian Ari Eldjárn is preparing to perform at the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen. He spoke with mbl.is about his excitement for the event. The performance is scheduled to take place today.
Emergency landing on highway caused by engine failure
A small aircraft suffered an engine failure in May of last year. This malfunction forced the pilot to make an emergency landing. The plane landed on Suðurlandsvegur, which is the primary highway in South Iceland.
Strike cost Icelandair half a billion ISK
A strike by aircraft mechanics in September cost Icelandair roughly $4 million. This amount is equivalent to about ISK 500 million. These figures were shared during the airline's earnings presentation. The data follows the release of third-quarter results.
Hellisheiði crash victim in stable condition
A serious traffic accident took place last night on Hellisheiði near Hveradalabrekka. The collision left one person seriously injured. This individual required transport to Landspítali, the National University Hospital of Iceland. The victim is currently in stable condition.
Experiencing rejection of transplanted arms
Guðmundur Felix Grétarsson received a double arm transplant in 2021. He is currently showing signs that his body is rejecting the transplanted limbs. He suspects that cancer treatments he received in recent months caused this reaction.