Could a volcanic eruption in Iceland affect travel?
Meanwhile, authorities in Iceland have declared a state of emergency following hundreds of small earthquakes that rocked the Reykjanes Peninsula for more than two weeks. This peninsula is the country’s most populated region.
While on Monday, seismic activity did calm down somewhat, experts fear an imminent volcanic eruption. For that reason, almost 4,000 people were evacuated from a town nearby. However, despite the fact that Keflavik International Airport is only 10 miles to the north of the eruption site, it has not been closed and flights continue to arrive and depart.
The seismic activity began in Iceland in an area north of Grindavik, a small fishing town of 3,400 residents, which was evacuated on Saturday. According to the Civil Protection Agency, a magma corridor under the surface stretches 15 km (9 mi) from the northwest of the town out into the Atlantic Ocean.
Likelihood of an eruption
Seismic monitoring suggests a mix of molten and semi-molten rock is heading closer to the surface. This means that a volcanic eruption could well be imminent. In fact, around Grindavik large cracks have appeared in roads and golf courses.
Geology professor Pall Einarrson told Iceland’s RUV:
The biggest earthquakes originated there, under this old series of craters, but since then [the magma corridor] has been getting longer, went under the urban area in Grindavík and is heading even further and towards the sea.
Are flights to Iceland canceled?
While currently, the Keflavik International Airport is operating, concerts have been raised over a potential eruption and the impact seismic activity will have on travel.
As noted by Euronews, back in April 2010, a major eruption in Iceland led to widespread disruption to air travel from North America and Europe. Due to the major volcanic ash it ejected, more than 100,000 flights were canceled over an eight-day period.
However, the latest feared eruption will likely happen under different circumstances, lowering the threat of similar flight chaos.
According to Iceland’s Meteorological Office, it is not possible at this stage to determine whether and where the Magna might reach the surface. Meanwhile, authorities in the country have raised its aviation alert to orange, meaning an increased risk of a volcanic eruption.
Speaking to the Independent, a spokesperson for easyJet said their flying schedule is operating as normal. However, they are monitoring the situation closely and should this change, they will contact customers directly to advise the status of their flights.
Readers, do you have flights booked to Iceland in the near future? Are you considering canceling the flights, even if no refund is possible? Let us know by dropping a comment below.