Flights diverted as plane malfunctions at Reykjavík Airport

Reykjavík Airport experienced significant disruption when a U.S. company's aircraft suffered a landing gear malfunction, forcing the diversion of three incoming flights. The incident occurred when a plane belonging to Bell Geospace, a company specializing in geophysical research, experienced a tire burst upon landing.

The aircraft became stuck on the runway after its wheel broke off, halting air traffic at the domestic airport. While the number of people on board was not immediately clear, at least two individuals were known to be on the flight, and no injuries were reported.

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The aircraft has now been driven off the runway and is partially in a hangar. The incident is therefore, in that sense, over and done with.

Airport authorities managed to move the aircraft off the runway and into a hangar, clearing the path for normal operations to resume. The disruption lasted for about two and a half hours. During this period, helicopters and smaller aircraft were able to land at nearby airfields around the capital area.

The diversion of flights to Keflavík International Airport, Iceland's main international hub, caused inconvenience for passengers. Bell Geospace's operations typically involve specialized geophysical surveys, suggesting the aircraft was on a mission related to such research.

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Three planes were forced to land in Keflavík while the closure was in effect.