Pingdom Check
03/22/2024 | 11:00 AM

Flights not affected by volcanic activity

Last updated: March 25, 2024

Volcanic activity is ongoing in a localized area on the Reykjanes Peninsula of Southwest Iceland, but not to worry – it’s business as usual for us and your travel plans. As with previous eruptions in this area, our schedule and the operations of Keflavik airport remain unaffected.

We’re in close contact with the dedicated team of experts working for the Icelandic authorities. We'll notify our passengers of any new developments that might affect their travels using the contact details registered in their booking (you can double check yours in Manage Booking).

Life in the rest of Iceland continues as normal. It's safe for travelers to explore our pristine nature, geothermal lagoons, and soon-to-return midnight sun.

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Lava from the February 2024 eruption, covering snowy ground on the Reykjanes peninsula. Photo credit: Árni Sæberg.

About the recent volcanic activity

The experts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office have put together a great short video (published March 2, 2024) to explain in simple terms what's happening on the Reykjanes peninsula, and why it's safe to travel to Iceland.

Location of the activity

The current volcanic activity is the fourth since December 2023. All have been localized to the Grindavík area, and the activity of the past three eruptions has ceased within 72 hours. The current activity is localized to the same area as in December, close to the Sundhnúksgígar crater row.

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Our preparedness

Iceland is a volcanic island, with many active volcano systems. Eruptions and earthquakes are a part of our DNA, and we Icelanders are always well prepared for volcanic events. The country’s incredible nature has given us excellent training and expertise to deal with unique situations.

In fact, we’ve now experienced seven eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula over the last four years:

  • The first three, at Fagradalsfjall in 2021, 2022 and July 2023, were so-called ‘tourist eruptions’ that thousands of locals and tourists witnessed and enjoyed.
  • The fourth eruption was at the Sundhnúksgígar crater row on December 18, 2023, and lava flow stopped within 72 hours.
  • The fifth eruption was close to the town of Grindavík, beginning on January 14, 2024. The seismic activity in the area, coupled with the January eruption, has had a devastating effect on this small community.
  • The sixth eruption began on February 8, close to the site of the fourth eruption. The lava flow stopped within 48 hours.
  • The seventh eruption began on March 16 and is still active.

None of the recent eruptions affected flight schedules or operations at Keflavík airport.

Did you know that there are currently over 40 volcanoes erupting around the globe without significantly disrupting air traffic?

Read more

For more information on the situation, we recommend the following sites:

Safetravel – general information on safety in the area

Icelandic Road Authority road closures in the Southwest

Icelandic Meteorological Office detailed updates from experts

Visit Reykjanes news for the region

RÚV live blog in English from the national broadcaster

mbl.is links to livestreams from the Grindavík area

Government of Iceland official information from the Icelandic government

Air quality check the air quality across the country

The volcanic reawakening of the Reykjanes peninsula

  • A new era of volcanic activity: The 2021 eruption was the first volcanic eruption in Iceland in 6 years and the first one in the Reykjanes peninsula in 800 years.
  • The 2021 eruption: The eruption was situated in the Geldingadalir valley next to the mountain named Fagradalsfjall. The location was compared to a massive bathtub that lava can slowly pour into. The eruption began on March 19, 2021, and lasted for 6 months before ceasing in September.
  • The 2022 eruption: On August 3, 2022, the volcano restarted, erupting from a fissure in the Meradalir valley, not far from the crater that erupted for the longest period during the 2021 eruption. It ended on August 21, 2022.
  • The July 2023 eruption: On July 4, 2023, significant seismic activity resumed on Reykjanes, indicating that a new eruption might start in the area between the mountains Keilir and Fagradalsfjall. On July 10, a small eruption started at Litli Hrútur, close to Fagradalsfjall. It ended on August 6, 2023.

Photo: Aerial view of the lava fields from the Fagradalsfjall volcano.

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Previous eruptions

We've kept a close eye on the Fagradalsfjall volcano eruptions over the past three summers (2021 to 2023). These eruptions had no impact on flight operations, and they occurred a relative distance from infrastructure and towns.

We invite you to read more about their magnetic appeal.