
A dramatic mid-air incident forced an Icelandair flight to make an unscheduled emergency landing in Canada after a passenger's persistent vaping triggered smoke alarms and created chaos aboard the aircraft.
The flight, travelling from Reykjavik to Manchester, was diverted to Goose Bay Airport in Newfoundland when crew members discovered a tourist repeatedly using an e-cigarette in the lavatory despite multiple warnings.
Smoke Alarms Trigger Panic
According to passenger accounts, the situation escalated when smoke alarms activated after the individual continued vaping in the toilet cubicle. Cabin crew confronted the passenger, who reportedly became increasingly agitated and uncooperative.
"The crew had warned him several times, but he just wouldn't listen," one traveller reported. "When the alarms went off, people started getting genuinely concerned about safety."
Unscheduled Landing in Remote Canadian Airport
With the situation deteriorating and the passenger's behaviour becoming more disruptive, the captain made the decision to divert the aircraft to the nearest suitable airport. Goose Bay Airport, a remote facility in Newfoundland typically used for military operations, became the unexpected landing spot.
Upon landing, Canadian law enforcement officials boarded the aircraft and removed the problematic passenger. Witnesses described a tense atmosphere as the individual was escorted from the plane by authorities.
Massive Travel Disruption for Fellow Passengers
The incident caused significant disruption for the remaining travellers, who faced an unexpected overnight stay in Canada before continuing their journey to Manchester the following day.
"We were stuck there for hours while they sorted everything out," another passenger explained. "It's incredible that one person's irresponsible behaviour could inconvenience hundreds of people and cost the airline thousands."
Aviation Safety Rules Emphasised
The incident highlights the strict no-smoking policies aboard commercial flights, which extend to e-cigarettes and vaping devices. Aviation authorities consistently warn passengers that tampering with smoke detectors or ignoring smoking bans constitutes a serious offence that can lead to prosecution and unlimited fines.
An Icelandair representative confirmed the diversion was necessary "due to a passenger being non-compliant with aviation regulations" and emphasised the airline's commitment to passenger and crew safety above all other considerations.