Icelandair Investigating Mysterious Upswing In Crew Illnesses

Icelandair is currently actively investigating what could be causing the recent increase in crew member illnesses, including a thorough examination of their planes’ air control systems.

RÚV reports that the number of crew members reporting being sick has increased to such a degree that the company is making detailed investigations into what could be causing the illnesses. The airline is reportedly checking the air control systems, including ventilation, filters and the general maintenance state of the airplanes.

Investigation head Þorkell Ágústsson told reporters that they have not yet ruled out the air being mildly toxic.

“That is amongst the factors that we are investigating,” he told reporters, although there could be any number of reasons for the rash in sick days.

The matter first came to the attention of the airline last February, when one crew member became seriously ill. Investigations were launched soon thereafter, in cooperation with airplane manufacturers Boeing.

Þorkell expects that investigations will conclude in about one week’s time.