- Establishment of Legal Framework for Bilateral Aviation Cooperation -

The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Government of Iceland for Air Services between and beyond their Respective Territories entered into force on April 17, 2026. This follows the completion of the necessary domestic procedures in both countries and the exchange of diplomatic notifications on April 22, 2026, subsequent to the signing of the Agreement on December 3, 2025. As a result, the Republic of Korea now has a total of 95 air services agreements in force.

※ Status of the Republic of Korea’s Air Services Agreements (as of April 2026): 97 signed, 95 in force

Located in the North Atlantic, Iceland serves as a strategic geographical hub connecting North America and Europe, with abundant natural attractions such as the Aurora Borealis, glaciers, and volcanoes. The number of Korean visitors to Iceland reached approximately 18,000* in 2025 and has been steadily increasing each year. Following the agreement between the aviation authorities of the two countries last year to establish traffic rights for three weekly flights and to introduce code-sharing arrangements between airlines, further expansion of Europe–North America connecting routes and mid- to long-haul aviation networks is expected.

*Source: Icelandic Tourist Board

This Agreement incorporates the latest international civil aviation standards, including the establishment of market-based principles for airfares, the strengthening of aviation safety and security management obligations, and the introduction of a multiple designated airline system. The Agreement is expected to provide a stable legal foundation for the establishment of air routes between the two countries, thereby contributing to increased people-to-people exchanges, expanded trade, and the revitalization of tourism.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue its efforts to expand the number of partner countries for aviation cooperation in order to enhance public convenience and strengthen the foundation for Korean companies to enter the global aviation market.