An Icelandair airline pilot is under investigation after performing an unauthorized low-altitude flyby over the town of Vestmannaeyjar, where he grew up, to celebrate his retirement.
According to reports, veteran captain Ólafur Bragason, 65, allegedly carried out the low-altitude pass after diverting from his route to celebrate his retirement on April 11, 2026. Although this is a relatively common gesture among pilots about to retire, the maneuver had not been approved and took place with passengers on board.
Employees of Icelandair, including chief pilot Linda Gunnarsdóttir, emphasized that the low-altitude flight was outside approved procedures and checklists. The airline stressed that safety protocols must take precedence over sentiment, especially during passenger operations.
They apologized to residents who were disturbed by the noise and vibrations. Local residents reported being frightened, with some fearing that the aircraft might crash as it passed over houses and treetops.
As a result, Icelandair has launched an internal review and referred the incident to the police, while aviation authorities will analyze flight data and cockpit recordings. Potential outcomes include regulatory penalties or legal consequences, regardless of the pilot’s retirement status.
Icelandair pilot under investigation after flying at a low altitude over the town of Vestmannaeyjar on Saturday.
The Boeing 757 was on a scheduled flight from Frankfurt when the pilot on his last flight went on a sightseeing flight over his childhood home in the Westman Islands… pic.twitter.com/bjxjTnUAgh
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