Is it safe to travel to Iceland as the volcano erupts? Latest advice
After a month of rumbling earthquake activity, a volcano has erupted on the Reykjanes peninsula of southwest Iceland.
Lava is spewing from a crack in the earth’s surface which is two miles long and has grown rapidly.
Follow the latest Iceland volcano updates on Metro.co.uk’s dedicated live blog.
‘Warning: An eruption has started on the Reykjanes peninsula,’ the Met Office said on X last night.
Yet Reykjavik’s nearby Keflavik International Airport remains open for business, so many are right to wonder if they should proceed with their travel plans.
Is it safe to travel to Iceland?
According to the Foreign Office (FCDO) advice valid for Tuesday, December 19, it is still safe for tourists to travel to the country.
But it does not appear that the FCDO has updated its warning as it states ‘there is no current eruption’.
When Metro.co.uk contacted them, a spokesperson did not give indication if this will be amended today.
Issued on November 11, the advice says: ‘Earthquakes and indications of volcanic activity have increased above normal levels on the Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik.
‘Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely, particularly the area northwest of Mt Thorbjörn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon.
‘On November 10, a Civil Protection Alert was declared after an intense swarm of earthquakes.
‘The town of Grindavík was evacuated as a precaution. Some roads have been closed and visitors are advised to stay away from the area. Keflavik International Airport is operating as normal.
‘While there is no current eruption, it is increasingly possible that one could occur.
‘You should monitor local media for updates and follow the authorities advice on travel to the area.’
Have flights to and from Iceland been cancelled?
Keflavik International Airport remains open, albeit with some considerable delays on the ground after the eruption.
Planes are currently still landing, although the volcano’s glow is visible from the runway.
Meanwhile, Akureyri Airport in the northeast is operating as usual.
Iceland Air said the eruption has had ‘no impact’ on its schedule.
A statement from the airline said: ‘As announced by Icelandic authorities, a volcanic eruption has started in the southwest region of Iceland.
‘At this time, the eruption does not affect the operations of Icelandair or Keflavík Airport. Our flight schedule remains unchanged.
The safety of our passengers and staff is always our number one priority and at the heart of every decision we make.
‘We are monitoring the situation closely and will inform our passengers of any new developments.’
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