Authorities investigate after Icelandair Boeing 757 performs unauthorised low flypast during retirement flight
April 13, 2026
Aviation authorities in Iceland have launched an investigation after an Icelandair Boeing 757 performed an unauthorised low flypast over the Westman Islands before landing at the country’s Keflavik Airport. The flight was under the command of a captain who was completing his final flight for the airline before retiring.
Icelandair performs an unauthorised flypast on a scheduled passenger flight
Icelandair has reported a low-altitude flyover by one of its Boeing 757-200 aircraft over the Westman Islands to the Icelandic aviation authorities, after the incident caused public concern about the safety of the aircraft and the passengers on board.
The aircraft involved (with registration TF-ISR) was nearing the completion of a scheduled flight from Frankfurt (FRA) to Keflavik International Airport (KEF) on 1 April as flight FI521 at the time of the incident.
According to data from Flightradar24, the aircraft departed Frankfurt at 14:26 local time for the three-hour flight to Keflavik. With about 30 minutes of the flight to go, the crew left their cruising altitude of 38,000ft (11,582m) and began the approach into Keflavik.
However, rather than sticking to the normal decent profile, the aircraft descended to just 1,375 ft (419m) over the town of Vestmannaeyjar on the Westman archipelago, where the aircraft performed a low flypast at a speed of around 146 knots.
Many residents described their homes as “literally shaking” as the aircraft passed overhead, sparking concern among local residents.
Icelandair has reported the incident to the police and aviation authorities after one of his pilot performed an unauthorized low flyover above his hometown of Vestmannaeyjar during a scheduled flight, on the last day of this 40 years of service.
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) April 12, 2026
The incident happened on April… pic.twitter.com/yByoVAD304
The aircraft was captured on video passing low over the town in a slightly nose-up attitude before proceeding on its way to Keflavik. The aircraft subsequently climbed back to 5,000ft (1,524m) before landing safely at Keflavik on schedule at 15:45 local time.
As reported by Aviation News EU, according to an Icelandair spokesperson, the matter has been formally reported to both the police and the Icelandic Transport Authority.
Icelandair does not condone the flypast
The airline confirmed that the aircraft had descended unusually low over the town of Vestmannaeyjar and was being operated by a captain completing his final journey with the airline before retirement.
However, the airline stressed that the manoeuvre was not authorised and will be subject to an internal Icelandair review alongside official investigations by both the Icelandic aviation authorities and the police.
“We sincerely apologise to the residents of the Westman Islands for the concern caused,” said Linda Gunnarsdóttir, Chief Flight Officer at Icelandair. “This manoeuvre was not conducted with the airline’s permission, and we are taking the matter very seriously in cooperation with the relevant authorities.”
According to Iceland Monitor, Gunnarsdóttir confirmed that the captain of flight FI521 was performing his final flight and carried out a “sightseeing pass” over his hometown in Vestmannaeyjar without the company’s knowledge or permission.
“This is a very serious matter that we will review internally,” Gunnarsdóttir said. “In aviation, everything is tightly governed by procedures and checklists in normal passenger operations, and this does not fall within that framework. This is not standard practice.”
Gunnarsdóttir added that the exact altitude of the aircraft over Vestmannaeyjar has not yet been confirmed internally, but flight data will be carefully reviewed as part of the company’s investigation.
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“This has happened from time to time, but it is by no means standard practice and not something we would have authorised,” she commented. Gunnarsdóttir said she expected that passengers may have been informed about the sightseeing flypast in advance, although the investigation would confirm whether that was indeed the case.
She added that she could not yet comment on any consequences that might be imposed for the captain, who has now left the company, or for the co-pilot, as the matter is still under review by Icelandair.
The possibility of further sanctions following the flypast
While low passes are occasionally performed under controlled conditions, such actions generally require strict prior approval and coordination with local aviation authorities. Any unauthorised low-altitude flying, such as in this case, can pose safety risks, cause noise disturbances, and can serve to undermine public confidence in airline operations.
The outcome of the investigation could influence how Icelandair ensures compliance with strict safety protocols in its day-to-day operations and how effectively these are enforced within the airline.
Although farewell gestures are not uncommon (although they more often take the form of a water cannon salute by the airport fire service upon the aircraft’s arrival), airlines are expected to prioritise safety and regulatory compliance at all times.
The Icelandic authorities will now have to determine whether further action against the pilot is required, and whether any criminal offence has been committed, while Icelandair reviews its internal operating procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Featured image: Lukas Wunderlich / stock.adobe.com
