An Icelandair flight took an unexpected detour when the pilot flew a Boeing 757-200 low over Heimaey in the Westman Islands in what the airline is calling an unauthorized act. Video footage showed the aircraft passing dangerously close to buildings in the town.
The incident was first reported by Icelandic news outlet RÚV.
Flight FI 521 was flying from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Keflavik International Airport (KEF) on April 11, 2026 when the pilot, who was performing his final flight before retirement, requested permission from Avians, Iceland’s air navigation service provider, to divert from the scheduled flight path.
Although the request was granted, Icelandair says it was never informed of the flyover and did not authorize it.
Icelandair Chief Flight Officer Linda Gunnarsdóttir confirmed that the company is taking the incident “seriously”.
Gunnarsdóttir noted that the pilot had announced the low-altitude pass via the speaker system, giving passengers advance notice of what was about to happen. Gunnarsdóttir added that when asked whether such a request would have been approved by the airline, she indicated it likely would not have been granted.
A memorable moment for passengers
While the airline expressed concern, passengers on board had a different reaction.
One traveler described the experience as “wonderful”, and former Icelandic parliament member Guðfríður Lilja Grétarsdóttir, who was also on the flight, echoed that sentiment.
She recounted that the flyover was presented as a tribute to the pilot’s decades-long career, framed as a gift allowing passengers to enjoy a unique view of his hometown. According to Grétarsdóttir, passengers responded with applause.
Pilot’s action crossed a line
Despite the positive reception from passengers, Icelandair made clear that the pilot’s actions crossed a line. Senior Vice President of Flight Operations Arnar Már Magnússon sent a company-wide email stating that the captain had acted on his own initiative and that such a disciplinary offense would not be tolerated.
The airline has since apologized to residents of the Westman Islands. Company lawyers have reported the incident to the police, and the Icelandic Transport Authority has requested all relevant flight documents. Both internal and external investigations are now underway.