Icelandair is investigating one of its pilots after a Boeing 757-200 performed an unauthorized low-altitude flyover of the town of Vestmannaeyjar during a scheduled flight from Frankfurt to Keflavik.
The incident occurred on April 11, involving flight FI521, operated by aircraft TF-ISR. According to local reports, the captain—on his final flight before retirement—deviated from the expected approach profile to pass over the town where he grew up.
The maneuver was not communicated in advance to the airline and did not follow standard operational procedures. Residents reported being startled by the aircraft’s proximity, with some noting strong noise and vibration as the jet passed overhead.
https://x.com/airwayaviation/status/2043362438926463323
Icelandair confirmed the episode and said the case is being reviewed internally. “This is a very serious matter that we will look into,” said Chief Flight Officer Linda Gunnarsdóttir in a statement. She emphasized that airline operations follow strict procedures, including defined flight paths, checklists and coordination requirements that do not allow for unplanned deviations.
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The company has not confirmed whether passengers were informed about the flyover during the flight. It also declined to comment on possible consequences for the pilot, who is already in the process of leaving the airline.
While farewell gestures are not uncommon on a pilot’s final flight—typically coordinated with airport authorities, such as water cannon salutes—unauthorized maneuvers, particularly at low altitude over populated areas, raise safety and compliance concerns.
The aircraft continued to Keflavik and landed without further incident.
