Icelandair says it had to restrain an unruly passenger on a flight from Reykjavik to New York City because he was hitting people, screaming profanities and spitting.    

Thursday's incident was gaining attention after a photograph circulated online purporting to show the passenger tied to his seat with tape and plastic restraints.    

 The man who posted the picture, Andy Ellwood, says it was taken by a friend on the flight.    

 Icelandair spokesman Gudjon Arngrimsson said passengers and crew restrained the man after his behaviour became threatening. He says he couldn't validate the photo's authenticity, but says airlines commonly carry plastic handcuffs and tape to restrain potentially dangerous passengers.    

 The airline says police took the man off the plane after it landed at Kennedy Airport.

Photo credit:   andyellwood.tubmblr.com