What Travelers Should Know About Iceland's Latest Volcanic Eruption

19.12.2023 - 20:17 / cntraveler.com

This is a developing story and will be updated with more information.

A long-anticipated volcanic eruption began in Iceland on Monday evening, with molten lava burbling to the surface of a fissure in the earth, about 27 miles outside of Reykjavik, the nation’s capital.

The eruption began on December 18 at 10:17 p.m. local time, just northeast of the small fishing village of Grindavik, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office. Grindavik, which is located on the Reykjanes peninsula on southwestern tip of Iceland, was already evacuated by officials on November 10 due to an increase in seismic activity in the area.

Iceland is well versed in dealing with frequent volcanic activity. This is the fourth eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the past three years, according to the Icelandic Tourism Board—on average, Iceland experiences a volcanic event every five years. That said, it can still be question-raising for visitors with upcoming trips. Here's what travelers to the “land of fire and ice” should know about the latest eruption, and how it could impact a visit.

The eruption does not pose an immediate threat to people on the island, according to the Icelandic Tourism Board. But the government is still warning people not to approach the area, which is closed to all traffic. "Please be advised that this eruption is releasing considerable toxic gases and people are strongly advised against visiting the site of the eruption while responders and scientists assess the situation," the Icelandic Tourism Board told CNN. For those interested in seeing the eruption unfold, Iceland’s National Broadcaster RUV has set up a livestream of the lava spewing.

American tourists in the area were warned to stay informed and alert. “U.S. citizens are advised to monitor local news and government websites for detailed information and to follow Civil Protection instructions,” The US Embassy in Iceland said in a news alert. Updates are available on RUV’s website and on the government of Iceland’s official website. Travelers can also download the SafeTravel app for updates on the nation’s road conditions and other news for tourists from the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue.

The Keflavík International Airport and all international flight corridors remain open, as of now. There have been no disruptions to flights to and from Iceland as a result of the eruption, according to the Government of Iceland. “The international airport in Keflavík is functioning normally,” the tourism board said. “All flights are currently operating on schedule.”

Overall, officials don't expect the eruption to have an effect on air travel. “The impact of volcanic eruptions tends to be limited to specific, localized areas near the eruption