An Icelandair pilot is under investigation after performing an unauthorized low-altitude flyover during his final flight, an incident that drew concern from passengers, alarmed residents, and a formal review by the airline, as reported by The New York Post.

Captain Ólafur Bragason, 65, a veteran pilot with four decades of experience, was completing his final scheduled flight from Frankfurt to Keflavik when the incident occurred, according to Icelandic media reports.

The route took the aircraft over Vestmannaeyjar, a volcanic archipelago off the southern coast of Iceland, where Bragason grew up.

Image Credit: Kevin Hackert - Shutterstock.com

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During the flight, Bragason diverted from standard operating procedures and flew the Boeing 757 at an unusually low altitude of approximately 330 feet above the islands.

The maneuver, which was not authorized by Icelandair, appeared to be a personal tribute marking his retirement.

Video footage circulating online shows the commercial aircraft flying at a strikingly low level over homes and trees in the area.

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 — Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) April 12, 2026

The sight of the low-flying jet caused alarm among residents, some of whom feared the aircraft was in distress or at risk of crashing.

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Despite the concern, the flight continued without further incident, and the aircraft landed safely at Keflavik International Airport. No injuries were reported.

Icelandair officials responded quickly, confirming that the flyover was conducted without the company’s knowledge or approval. The airline emphasized that such actions fall outside established aviation protocols.

“This is not standard practice; this is a very serious matter that we will review internally,” Linda Gunnarsdóttir, a chief pilot with Icelandair, told local media.

The airline further clarified its position in a statement, noting that aviation operations are governed by strict procedures and safety standards.

“In aviation, everything is tightly governed by procedures and checklists in normal passenger operations, and this does not fall within that framework,” Gunnarsdóttir said.

Video from inside the Icelandair 757 that preformed an unauthorised low pass over Vestmannaeyjar 2 days ago
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“While such celebratory flyovers have happened from time to time, it is by no means standard practice and not something we would have authorized.”

She also issued an apology to those affected by the incident. “We apologize to the residents of Vestmannaeyjar if they have been disturbed,” she said.

Icelandair has launched an internal investigation into the matter. Officials confirmed that flight data, including the aircraft’s altitude during the flyover, will be reviewed as part of the inquiry.

The airline has also reported the incident to local police authorities.

The case has raised questions about adherence to aviation safety protocols, particularly during routine passenger flights.

While retirement send-offs and symbolic gestures are not unheard of in aviation, airlines typically require formal approval and strict compliance with safety guidelines.

Meanwhile in Iceland, over Vestmannaeyjar, a retiring Icelandair pilot after 40 years decided to buzz his own village. Too low! Terrain! Terrain! Pull up! Pull up! https://t.co/vh2DWFlIMi pic.twitter.com/FQNDH5K3Pt

— Turbine Traveller (@Turbinetraveler) April 12, 2026

Bragason’s actions, though resulting in no physical harm, have drawn scrutiny due to the potential risks involved in operating a commercial aircraft at such low altitude over populated areas.

The outcome of the investigation will determine whether further action is taken.

Icelandair has not announced any immediate disciplinary measures as the review remains ongoing.

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