Iceland's Blue Lagoon closes until after Christmas following major eruption
Harry KembleIceland’s Blue Lagoon resort will remain closed until after Christmas following the latest volcanic eruption on the country’s southwesterly Reykjanes peninsula, home too to the country’s only international airport.
On Tuesday (19 December), the famous geothermal spa was forced to close its doors less than 24 hours after it reopened due to new volcanic activity in the area. Blue Lagoon will review the situation on 27 December.
“Blue Lagoon Iceland has temporarily closed its establishments in Svartsengi due to the volcanic eruption that began Sundhnukagigar on 18 December," it said in a statement. “The eruption does not pose an immediate threat to people and it has not impacted Blue Lagoon Iceland’s infrastructure.”
Icelandic foreign minister Bjarni Benediktsson said experts have warned the eruption could go on for months. “What to expect for the future? What they are telling us is that this could continue for weeks or even potentially months,” he said.
Confirming residents would not be able to return home soon, Benediktsson added: “We are following that closely and our scientists, they give us updated information every day.”
Both Iceland’s newest airline, Play, and Icelandair said the eruption had not affected operations before adding Keflavik airport remained open.
Icelandair said: “The safety of our passengers and staff is always our number one priority and at the heart of every decision we make. We’re monitoring the situation closely and will inform our passengers of any new developments.”
Play added: “We do not expect any disruptions to our flight schedule but safety is always our top priority and the situation is being monitored closely by the relevant authorities.”
The eruption has prompted the Foreign Office to update its travel advice for Iceland. "A volcanic eruption started on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland on the 18 December," said the FCDO.
"The location is Sundahnukagigar, 3km north of the town of Grindavik. All roads to Grindavík are closed and you should stay away from the area. Keflavik International airport is operating as normal, but you are advised to check for latest updates.
"The capital city Reykjavik, and the rest of Iceland has not been impacted by this eruption. You should monitor local media for updates and follow the authorities’ advice on travel to the area."
The FCDO highlighted three sources of information to check: the Icelandic Met Office; Safe Travel Iceland; and the Almannavarnadeild Facebook page and Twitter/X (@almannavarnir).
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