A volcano near the most populated area of Iceland has erupted, emitting flames and lava close to the town of Grindavik. Despite the eruption, travel impacts remain minimal for now, but this could change, particularly if ash and smoke become more prevalent.
Flight operations at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) are currently running normally, despite the nearby volcanic activity. The U.S. Embassy in Iceland has issued a volcano alert, advising U.S. citizens to stay informed through local news and government websites and to follow instructions from the Civil Protection authorities.
The popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa has closed due to the volcano, and some roads in and out of Reykjavik are currently inaccessible. Thousands of people have been evacuated from the Reykjanes Peninsula, which has experienced a series of earthquakes over the past month. One of the roads to Reykjavik has been closed as a result of these seismic activities.
Volcanologists estimate that the eruption could last up to 10 days. A geothermal power plant located about a mile from the eruption site continues to operate remotely.
Travelers planning to visit Iceland are advised to avoid the affected area and monitor the latest information from the Government of Iceland on seismic/volcanic activity. They should also follow the instructions of Icelandic authorities and monitor volcanic activity through the Icelandic Met Office and other relevant websites. The U.S. Embassy has not advised Americans to cancel travel plans but suggests contacting airlines for flight information.
So far, no airlines have issued specific warnings to avoid travel to Iceland or issued travel waivers. However, they are advising customers to stay updated on the situation. Icelandic carrier Play Airlines and Icelandair have both stated that they do not expect disruptions to their flight schedules but are monitoring the situation closely.
The situation in Iceland is dynamic, with few travel restrictions aside from areas closed near the eruption site. However, this could change rapidly. Travelers with plans to visit Iceland should keep a close eye on the news and communicate with their airlines or hotels for any updates.
