A new 3 km fissure has opened up on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, with a volcano erupting for the seventh time since December. The eruption began at 11:14pm the previous night with little warning, spewing red lava through the fissure. The activity, while smaller than previous eruptions, caused the evacuation of visitors from the Blue Lagoon thermal spa, a top tourist attraction in Iceland. Despite the eruption site being just 20 km north of Keflavik International Airport, the main international airport in Iceland remains open for flights. Travellers are advised to monitor flight information for any potential changes to their travel plans.
The eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula does not appear to be as intense as recent activity, with the Icelandic Meteorological Office stating that the fissure has stopped expanding and there are no indications that the activity will increase. The volcano is located near the town of Grindavik, which has been evacuated as a precaution. Previous volcanic eruptions in the area have caused damage to infrastructure and property, leading many residents to move away for their safety. The Icelandic authorities have emphasized that the eruption is not a tourist attraction and visitors should watch from a safe distance to ensure their safety.
Despite concerns over travel disruptions, Keflavik Airport remains open and flights are operating as normal. Icelandic authorities are well-prepared to handle volcanic activity and have effective volcanic preparedness measures in place. While major eruptions can cause disruptions to air travel, there has been no impact on flights during the recent eruptions in Iceland. Travellers are advised to respect local restrictions and avoid Grindavik, but otherwise, Iceland remains a safe destination for visitors. Cancelled bookings may not be automatically refunded, and travellers are advised to check with their airline or travel provider for assistance and up-to-date information.
The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, a popular tourist attraction in Iceland, was evacuated when the volcanic eruption began and remains closed. The situation will be reassessed throughout the day to determine when the spa can safely reopen. Visitors with bookings are advised to check the official website for updates and to make changes or cancellations as needed. While the eruption may be a sight to see, authorities have stressed that it is not a tourist attraction and visitors should prioritize their safety by watching from a safe distance. Despite the evacuation of Grindavik and precautions taken around the eruption, Iceland overall remains a safe travel destination.
In the event of a volcanic eruption and the development of an ash cloud, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is prepared to assess the impact on air travel and make recommendations accordingly. While volcanic eruptions have the potential to disrupt air travel, Icelandic authorities and the public are well-prepared to handle such events. Travellers are advised to stay informed of the latest updates from the Icelandic Meteorological Office and Safe Travel Iceland for any changes in travel advisories. Overall, Iceland’s geoscientists possess vast experience in dealing with volcanic activities, making the country a safe destination for travellers despite occasional eruptions.