On the flight in transportation terms
The new transport plan clearly indicates that we have made good progress in reducing the infrastructure debt in the road system since the crash, with significantly increased funding allocated to road construction.
The transport plan was approved in the spring session and an updated plan is now presented to the parliament. The main difference is that new projects amounting to approximately 214 billion ISK are expedited from the previous plan, following discussions by the environment and transport committee and the parliament's emphasis on its importance. With this, larger steps are being taken than has been customary before. In the rural areas, the intention is to expedite projects by 125 billion ISK. The transport agreement between the state and six municipalities in the capital area is a manifestation of shared vision and comprehensive thinking for diverse transport in the area and is part of addressing the current and foreseeable traffic issues. Also, a cooperation project between the state and private parties for large, defined projects is being planned. lina
Clear strategy for developing airports at Akureyri and Egilsstaðir
Large steps are also being taken in aviation. An aviation policy has been formulated for the first time in the 100-year history of aviation. The key aspect of it is that the international and reserve airports will be under one management, Isavia, which is to take responsibility for the reserve airports.
Users of international airports must participate in the operation of reserve airports for international passengers. The development of reserve airports in Iceland is an important aviation safety issue for those flying through Keflavík Airport, such as when circumstances change suddenly due to weather or accidents. The need for facilities and services is aimed at creating the capacity to accommodate a sufficient number of aircraft in an emergency.
A big step is now being taken towards improved operation and development at Egilsstaðir Airport. From the turn of the year, Isavia will take over its operation, and the opportunity will immediately arise next year for increased maintenance at other airports. Projects are becoming urgent all over, and too little funding goes to airports that are important infrastructure.
A clear strategy is outlined to develop the airports at Akureyri and Egilsstaðir as international aviation gateways, alongside their role as reserve airports. At the second reading of the budget, an amendment to lease or buy premises for expansion at Akureyri Airport was approved, a truly important step and confirmation of the transport authority's commitment.
Cooperation is the key to success
Strong domestic aviation is an important regional issue and a key to equality between regions. Alongside improved maintenance of the country's airports, the aim is to level the playing field for residents. The Scottish method is an important step in this direction. Airfares are high compared to what is offered for international flights, the frequency of flights is not always convenient, and seat occupancy varies. The government's financial participation has proved effective in addressing this issue in Scotland, and the intention is to implement it here in the latter part of next year.
The next step for Akureyri Airport is to develop ways to use the budget authority for terminal expansion and to operate it in a way that benefits the regions and the government's goal of a new gateway into the country. Broad cooperation is the key to success in these matters.
Finally: Isavia will not be privatised while the Framsókn Party holds the watch in transport matters. Onwards we go.
Líneik Anna Sævarsdóttir, Member of Parliament for Framsókn in the Northeast constituency and a member of the environment and transport committee of the Althingi. The article was first published on vikudagur.is on 29 November 2019.
