AGP Executive Report

Icelandic Football: Andri Gudjohnsen scored twice for Blackburn in a 2-0 win over Wrexham, taking his tally to nine goals this season. The Iceland international is second in the Championship scoring charts. Road Safety: One person is stable after a serious crash on icy Hellisheiði; the road has reopened. Aviation Investigation: A newly released report says a plane made an emergency landing on Suðurlandsvegur after engine failure. The pilot and his dog were unharmed, but air traffic control did not alert him to nearby Sandskeið airfield. AI and Energy: A pilot at an Icelandic data centre cut AI server power use by about 25% for 30 minutes, testing how flexible computing could ease pressure on electricity grids. Connectivity: Plans are advancing for a new subsea cable between Iceland and Scotland by 2030, while Farice is merging technical operations with two Icelandic emergency communications services. Jobs: Iceland’s unemployment rate fell to 5.7% in September.

Road Safety: One person was seriously injured in a crash on icy Hellisheiði and is in stable condition. The road was closed during the response; several other collisions were reported nearby. Arctic Cooperation: Canada and Iceland’s coast guards signed a plan in Reykjavík covering joint exercises, information sharing and climate resilience, as Arctic and North Atlantic activity grows. Energy and AI: A data-centre trial in Iceland cut AI server power use by about 25% for 30 minutes, testing how computing could ease pressure on electricity grids. Transport Links: A passenger and freight ferry between Aberdeen and Seyðisfjörður is under discussion, but the proposal remains at an early stage, with freight demand and border arrangements among the challenges. Visitor Tips: Iceland’s tap water is exceptionally clean and largely untreated; drinking it instead of bottled water can also reduce plastic waste.

Road Safety: One person was seriously injured in a collision on icy Hellisheiði; their condition is stable, and the road has reopened. Police say several other crashes occurred nearby. AI and Energy: A trial at an Icelandic data centre found that software from Emerald AI, used with Nvidia technology, cut server power use by about 25% for 30 minutes on request. Arctic Cooperation: Canada and Iceland’s coast guards signed a plan in Reykjavík for joint exercises, information sharing and cooperation on climate resilience and maritime security. Transport Links: A passenger-and-freight ferry between Aberdeen and Seyðisfjörður is under discussion, but the proposal is at an early stage and could take years to develop. Jobs: Iceland’s unemployment rate fell to 5.7% in September.

Road Safety: One person is in stable condition after a serious crash on icy Hellisheiði; the road has reopened, and police reported other collisions nearby. AI and Energy: A pilot at Nscale’s Iceland data centre cut AI server-rack power use by about 25% for 30 minutes, showing how computing loads could respond to grid needs. Arctic Cooperation: Canada and Iceland’s coast guards signed a plan for joint exercises, information sharing and cooperation on climate resilience and maritime security at a Reykjavík summit. Travel Links: A ferry between Aberdeen and Seyðisfjörður is under discussion, but the proposal is at an early stage and needs to prove commercially viable. A separate Scotland–Iceland subsea cable project is advancing, with landing sites selected.

Reykjavík Gig: Queens of the Stone Age play a sold-out show at Laugardalshöll on Saturday, October 24, before heading to Asia and Australasia. Air Links: Air China is due to begin three weekly Beijing–Keflavík flights via Copenhagen on October 26. Kales Iceland will handle cargo services, opening another route for seafood exports and imports. Digital Connections: Korda has chosen Meðalland and Irvine Bay as landing sites for its planned Auður cable linking Iceland and Scotland, with seabed surveys and onshore preparations planned for 2027. Trade: Iceland is among the EFTA countries that have signed a free-trade agreement with Vietnam, aimed at expanding market access and commercial ties. Employment: Iceland’s jobless rate fell to 5.7% in September.

Jobs: Unemployment among Icelanders aged 16–24 reached 17.3% in the second quarter, up from 7.6% a year earlier, as unions warn of a cooling labour market. Trade and Travel: Air China is set to begin three weekly Beijing–Keflavík flights via Copenhagen on October 26. Kales Iceland will handle the airline’s cargo business, while Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir plans talks in China after visiting Vietnam; Icelandic exports to Vietnam rose 40% last year. Arctic Connectivity: Korda has chosen Meðalland in southern Iceland and Irvine Bay in Scotland as landing sites for its planned Auður subsea cable, expected to enter service in 2030. The EU’s new Arctic strategy also puts security and undersea infrastructure in focus, amid warnings about Russian activity. Reykjavík Culture: Queens of the Stone Age play a sold-out show at Laugardalshöll on October 24.

Trade: Iceland and its EFTA partners have signed a free-trade agreement with Vietnam, opening the way to lower tariffs and expanded trade once the pact takes effect. Connectivity: Icelandic firm Korda has chosen landing sites for the planned Auður subsea cable: Meðalland in south Iceland and Irvine Bay in Scotland. The link is expected to enter service around 2029–30, adding a route for data traffic between Iceland and Europe. Jobs: Iceland’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 5.7% in September, down from 6.8% in August, though it remained above the 3.6% rate a year earlier. Roads: Freezing temperatures brought icy patches to the capital area, while snow and ice affected roads across several regions; drivers were urged to take care. Screen: Filming of Icelandic crime drama Vigilant, starring Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, is due to begin in the country on October 29.

Digital Links: Icelandic telecom firm Korda has chosen Meðalland, on the south coast, as the landing site for its planned subsea cable to Scotland. The Auður cable is expected to enter service around 2029–30, adding a route for data traffic between Iceland and Europe. Road Safety: Freezing temperatures left icy patches on roads across the capital area, while many mountain roads in the Westfjords, North and East were snow-covered. Drivers are urged to take care. Jobs: Iceland’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 5.7% in September from 6.8% in August, though it remained above the 3.6% recorded a year earlier. Arctic Security: The EU’s new Arctic strategy puts maritime surveillance, undersea cable protection and icebreakers at the centre of regional policy. Iceland is among the countries whose connections and interests are affected as the High North gains strategic importance. Trade: Iceland and the other EFTA states signed a free-trade agreement with Vietnam on October 18; it still awaits entry into force. Pensions: Iceland ranked third globally in the 2026 pension index, earning an A grade and a score of 84.0.

Arctic Security: The EU’s new Arctic strategy puts security and infrastructure first, proposing more icebreakers, satellite surveillance and a hub to monitor and repair undersea cables, plus a secure cable link from Greenland to Europe. Iceland is named as a key partner; the EU also reaffirmed that Arctic oil, coal and gas should stay in the ground. Geothermal Energy: An independent review found that a Húsavík pilot has demonstrated efficient production of green hydrogen using geothermal power and heat, a step toward potentially lower-cost sustainable aviation fuel. Fisheries: A new forecast puts global whitefish supply up 0.4% in 2027, with Atlantic cod expected to rise 8.1% after years of declines, while Alaska pollock is projected to fall 2.4%.

Arctic Security: The EU’s new Arctic strategy puts security and resilient infrastructure at the centre, including plans for a Greenland–Europe undersea cable. The push follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats over Greenland and a map that left Iceland uneasy; the bloc says Iceland is among its close Arctic partners. Alvotech: The Reykjavík biotech firm won U.S. FDA approval for a new SIMLANDI manufacturing process that more than doubles output per batch, freeing capacity for other medicines. Women’s Football: Iceland will face Portugal in a two-leg World Cup playoff, with the return match in Reykjavík on December 5. Trade: Iceland and its EFTA partners have concluded a free-trade agreement with Vietnam, opening new opportunities for trade and investment. Retirement: Iceland earned an “A” rating in the 2026 global pension systems index, placing it among the world’s top-rated systems. Norse History: Archaeologists in southern Greenland have found remains of a Norse church, potentially shedding light on settlers who arrived from Iceland around 985.

Fisheries: Iceland and other Northeast Atlantic coastal states agreed to follow scientific advice on 2027 blue whiting and herring catches, but haven’t agreed how to divide the quotas. Icelandair: The airline completed its purchase of a 49% stake in PLAY’s former Maltese operation, gaining access to another operating certificate and potential charter opportunities. Arctic Security: The EU is planning a secure undersea cable between Greenland and Europe; the island’s only current cable system links it with Iceland and Canada. Trade: Iceland and its EFTA partners—Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein—signed a free-trade agreement with Vietnam after 14 years of negotiations, opening paths for broader trade and investment. Citizenship: A proposal to raise Iceland’s citizenship language requirement to B2 or C1 has prompted questions about whether enough advanced Icelandic teaching and testing would be available. Air Links: Delta plans daily seasonal Boston–Reykjavík flights from April 2027, adding another US connection for Iceland.

Aviation: Icelandair has completed its purchase of a 49% stake in Fly Play Europe, seeking an additional air operator certificate to increase flexibility and support growth at Keflavík. Delta will launch daily seasonal Boston–Reykjavík flights in April 2027, while Icelandair plans a new St. Louis route with Southwest connections. Arctic Security: The EU plans a secure undersea cable between Greenland and Europe, with possible links onward through Canada to Asia, and a hub to coordinate cable repairs. The strategy reflects rising concern about Arctic infrastructure and security. Trade: Iceland joined fellow EFTA members Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein in signing a free-trade agreement with Vietnam after 14 years of negotiations. Tourism: Íslandshótel is consolidating booking systems across 18 properties to simplify group and corporate reservations.

Trade: Iceland joined Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein in signing a free-trade agreement with Vietnam on Sunday. Iceland’s foreign minister attended the Hanoi ceremony; the pact is intended to lower trade barriers and broaden market access after years of negotiations. New Flights: Arkia plans to launch nonstop flights from Israel to Reykjavík in June 2027, the first regular service by an Israeli airline. Delta also plans daily Boston–Reykjavík flights next summer. Culture: Nobel literature laureate Anne Carson was in Iceland when she learned she had won, reportedly listening to the wind. Arctic Security: Britain’s new Arctic policy puts greater emphasis on defence as tensions with Russia rise. The region includes the GIUK Gap, a key North Atlantic corridor where experts warn of submarine activity and threats to undersea cables.

Trade: Iceland joined Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein in signing a free-trade agreement with Vietnam on Sunday. The pact will reduce tariffs and expand market access; Iceland’s foreign minister also held talks on boosting bilateral trade, investment and energy cooperation. Air Travel: Delta plans daily nonstop flights between Boston and Reykjavík from April 2027, adding a new transatlantic link for Iceland. Energy: Geothermal well drilling is set to begin soon in Reykjavík’s Laugardalur district. Public Safety: Icelandair is calling for ISK 700 million in police funding.

Trade: Iceland joined Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein in signing a free-trade agreement with Vietnam. The deal would make more than 98% of Norway’s exports tariff-free within seven years; Iceland-specific terms were not detailed. Air Links: Delta plans daily Boston–Keflavík flights from April 12 to October 30, 2027, restoring a route it briefly operated in 2021. Airport Delays: Icelandair is urging Alþingi to provide nearly ISK 700 million for Suðurnes police and border controls, warning that long queues under the Schengen entry system have caused missed connections and extra costs. River Pollution: A European study found widespread pharmaceutical and PFAS contamination, including in remote Icelandic rivers; researchers say the findings show pollution reaches beyond urban areas.

Air Links: Delta will launch daily seasonal flights between Boston and Keflavík on April 12, 2027, operating through October 30. The route gives Iceland another nonstop U.S. connection during the summer travel season. Airport Pressure: Icelandair is urging Alþingi to provide nearly ISK 700 million for police at Keflavík, warning that heavier Schengen border checks have caused long queues, missed connections and extra costs for airlines. Arctic Security: Britain says it will join NATO air policing in Iceland as it expands its High North role. Its carrier HMS Prince of Wales is also due to deploy F-35 jets in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Wildlife Alert: Iceland has confirmed H5N5 bird flu in wild birds in the north, southwest and southeast—the first detections since spring.