Reykjavik Airport (RKV)

Near-miss over Iceland linked to air traffic controllers watching football

Share

Reykjavik Airport © Konstantin von Wedelstaedt – http://www.airliners.net/photo//1268008/L/, GFDL 1.2, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17169867

An investigation into a February 2024 near-collision over Skerjafjörður found that air traffic controllers at Reykjavík Airport were distracted by a televised football match.

Only 23 metres separated a Cessna 172N and a Diamond DA-20 at 900 feet when no air traffic guidance was provided. Recordings revealed controllers engaged in football discussions instead of monitoring flights. A dropped flight strip board further diverted attention just before the incident.

The Transport Accident Investigation Board concluded that the distraction was a key factor, leading to the immediate removal of the control tower’s television.

This post was published on 31 January 2025 22:39

André Orban

M. Sc. Engineering

Published by
André Orban

Recent Posts

Woman sues American Airlines over in-flight sexual assault by man with prior allegations

A California woman is suing American Airlines, alleging she was sexually assaulted mid-flight in April…

1 May 2025

El Al resumes Moscow flights after four-month suspension

Israeli flag carrier El Al has resumed flights to Moscow Domodedovo as of May 1,…

1 May 2025

Emirates marks World Pilots’ Day with plan to hire 1,500 aviators

Emirates has announced plans to recruit more than 1,500 pilots over the next two years,…

1 May 2025

China Southern Airlines to resume direct Perth–Guangzhou flights from November 2025

Perth Airport has announced the return of China Southern Airlines' seasonal direct flights between Perth…

1 May 2025

Eindhoven Airport expands use of lifting aids to ease baggage handlers’ workload

Eindhoven Airport has added seven new lifting aids in its baggage hall, bringing the total…

1 May 2025

Dubai Airport welcomes 23.4 million guests in Q1 2025, sets new monthly record

Dubai International Airport (DXB) saw a strong start to 2025, welcoming 23.4 million passengers in…

1 May 2025