Icelandic carriers say new eruption ‘nothing to worry about’
James ChappleIcelandic carriers Icelandair and Play have played down the risk of any disruption to air travel from a fresh volcanic eruption near Iceland’s only international airport, Keflavik.
New volcanic activity was observed this week in the Fagradalsfjall system on Iceland’s south-westerly Reykjanes peninsula, prompting a Foreign Office travel alert.
A livestream of the eruption, shared by Play, shows lava spewing from a fissure, which follows recent seismic activity in the area around 20 miles west of capital Reykjavik. Icelandair, meanwhile, said arrivals could look forward to an incredible natural spectacle.
Keflavik, Iceland’s only international airport, is situated on the north of the peninsula and was briefly placed on alert. No flights were cancelled or operations affected.
A six-month eruption on the peninsula – also home to the famous Blue Lagoon – was observed from early 2021, bringing back memories of the now infamous 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption, which grounded European air traffic for several weeks.
"As of today, 3 August 2022, a new eruption has begun in the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system in the Reykjanes peninsula," said Play, which operates to Keflavik from Stansted and Liverpool.
"The area is closely monitored by authorities, caution is advised and we highly recommend eager observers keep a close eye on www.safetravel.is. The eruption is very visible in daylight and can be seen on a livestream from the area. The eruption is small, poses no threats to infrastructure or inhabitants in the area.
"Keflavik International airport is open and incoming flights are getting a truly spectacular view."
In a statement, the airport said: The volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula (Reykjanesskagi) has started again. At the moment, there are no disruptions to arrivals or departures at Keflavik airport."
Icelandair updated its website on Wednesday with an "it’s back!" message. "At 1.30pm on 3 August 2022, a new volcanic eruption began from a fissure in Meradalir valley at Fagradalsfjall, the site of last year’s eruption.
"An intense swarm of earthquakes had occurred on the Reykjanes peninsula over the past few days, and authorities were predicting a likely eruption. Iceland’s summer just got hotter!
"For anyone who is flying with us, please rest assured: official evaluations have been done and the eruption in its current state is causing no flight disruptions. Stay tuned for more information about the eruption, and about visiting the site, as more becomes known in the coming days."
Bloomberg reports shares in both Icelandair and Play rising on Wednesday (3 August) as investors "bet" on increased tourism to the country due to the eruption.
The FCDO updated its travel advice on Wednesday to read: "Iceland is volcanically and seismically active. A small volcanic fissure eruption has begun (3 August 2022) in Meradalir on the Reykjanes peninsula.
"There is no direct threat to populated areas. You are advised to avoid the area while the Civil Protection Agency assess the situation and not to try to visit the site."
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James Chapple
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