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.
