Special Airspace

There are several special airspace areas in Iceland, including recreational, training, prohibited, and restricted areas. In general, most are uncontrolled. However, aircraft may request the use of these areas.

In such cases, one may adapt typical VFR phraseology, for example:

🎧 (TF-)ISN, right turn to the Southwest towards Vestursvaedi, 1500ft, winds 190 degrees 19 knots, Runway 19, cleared for takeoff.

If a special airspace area lies within, or just bordering, a CTR, then one may ask them to report approaching the airspace area (e.g., “report approaching Vestursvaedi”) instead of reporting leaving the control zone.

Once the aircraft reports approaching a special airspace area, then one may inform them “frequency change approved.” This means they should monitor UNICOM, as well as maintain listening watch on any other frequencies (as required by some restricted areas).

If TWR gives permission for an aircraft to enter/pass through a special airspace area, or any aircraft inform TWR that they are operating in an area that does not require permission to entry, then TWR should notify the relevant APP unit.

See the Iceland AIP, ENR 5 (particularly 5.1 and 5.2) for information regarding such areas.