An Icelandair pilot is under police investigation after flying a Boeing 757 at an altitude of just over 328 feet (100 metres) over the town of Vestmannaeyjar in Iceland on Saturday, April 11. The pilot, who was completing his final commercial flight after 40 years of service, descended to an 'alarmingly low' level over the volcanic archipelago without authorisation.
Chief Flight Officer Linda Gunnarsdóttir confirmed that the manoeuvre was not approved by the airline. 'This is not standard practice; this is a very serious matter that we will review internally,' she told local media. The airline has reported the incident to police, and an investigation is ongoing.
Footage captured by residents showed the 225-passenger jet flying at hill level, passing over house roofs and treetops. Locals reported noticeable noise and vibration, with some fearing the plane was about to crash. Icelandair has apologised to residents, stating: 'We apologise to the residents of Vestmannaeyjar if they have been disturbed.'
Ms Gunnarsdóttir noted that while such flyovers have occurred occasionally in the past, they are not standard practice for retiring pilots. The airline has not clarified whether additional disciplinary action will be taken internally.
