Check2FlyEuropean drone flight rules at a glance

Northern Europe

Iceland

Iceland has implemented EASA-compliant rules through Regulation 1360/2024, but combines them with local restrictions arising from Icelandic law, the eAIP and temporary bans published by Isavia. In practice, before each flight you must check not only the open category conditions but also active restrictions near airports, sensitive areas and protected sites.

Altitude: 120 m AGLRegistration: May be required depending on the operation or aircraft.

Flight rules

Quick overview for this country

This is a short overview of the most important requirements. Always confirm details and exceptions in official sources.

Registration requiredYes, depending on the operation or equipment.

Training requiredYes, often needed for compliance in the open category.

Maximum altitude120 m AGL

Camera / registration noteIceland has implemented the EASA framework for drone operators and pilots, so for many operations the same operator registration thresholds, A1/A3 and A2 competency and specific category requirements apply. Theoretical exams are handled by Samgöngustofa through its examination system.

Local points to double-check

Do not fly higher than 120 m above the ground, keep VLOS and do not fly in a way that creates a hazard to other aircraft, people or property.
Iceland has implemented EASA Regulations 2019/947 and 2019/945, so many flights in the open category require an A1/A3 certificate, and A2 operations require additional A2 competency in accordance with EASA rules.
Regulation 1360/2024 prohibits flights closer than 150 m to sensitive facilities such as power plants, substations, the parliament, the president's residence, ministries, embassies, police stations, prisons and hospitals, unless the owner or manager gives consent.
Before flying you must check the Icelandic eAIP and Isavia publications, because restrictions may be permanent or temporary, and flights near airports and in some prohibited zones require separate consent from the relevant authority or manager. Isavia also explicitly reminds you to always consult current NOTAMs before flying.
If a flight does not meet the conditions of the open category - e.g. it involves BVLOS, greater operational risk or local restrictions beyond those of the open category - the operation moves to the specific category and requires an appropriate permit from Samgöngustofa.

Pre-flight checklist

Check everything before takeoff

Tick off the steps to verify the most important points before the flight.

0/5 done

Step 1Check whether the planned flight falls within the open category conditions and whether the operator and pilot have the required competency in line with the implemented EASA rules.Step 2Verify in the Icelandic eAIP and Isavia notices the current airspace restrictions, airports and temporary flight bans; also always check NOTAMs, because the eAIP does not replace current operational information.Step 3Make sure the flight location is not within 150 m of a sensitive facility, unless you have explicit consent from the owner or manager.Step 4If you plan to fly in a protected area, near an airport or in a place with local restrictions, check the additional site conditions and the required consents.Step 5If the flight does not fall within the open category, prepare the appropriate process for the specific category, including the required permit and operational documentation.

Official sources

Where to confirm current information

Open the authority or official flight map to confirm zones and current restrictions.

Authority websiteIcelandic Transport AuthorityOpen source Flight mapIsavia eAIP / temporary drone restrictionsOpen source

Information sources

Regulation 1360/2024 on UAS operations in Iceland Regulation 1360/2024 PDF Isavia eAIP: ENR 1.1 drones Samgongustofa: exam registration system Isavia ANS: temporary drone bans example

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Important

Check2Fly provides a simplified overview and does not replace official aviation regulations or current airspace data. Always verify local restrictions in official sources before flying.