A new volcanic / fissure eruption began on May 29, 2024, northeast of Sýlingarfell, marking the fifth eruption since December 2023.
Cover photo by Almannavarnir
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Air traffic to and from Iceland is unaffected; all flights are on schedule.
- The eruption is localized, causing only road closures near the site without posing a threat to people.
- Services in Iceland continue as usual.
- The Icelandic Meteorological Office and other agencies closely monitor the situation.
For updates, visit the Icelandic Meteorological Office and the Iceland Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
All Icelandic airports remain open, and flights to Iceland are operating on schedule. The impact of these fissure volcanic eruptions is limited to specific areas near the eruption site. Previous eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula have not disrupted air travel to and from Iceland.
MONITORING AND PREPAREDNESS
Iceland’s volcanic activity is under continuous surveillance by a global team of geoscientists. With advanced monitoring systems, the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, and scientists from the University of Iceland ensure thorough preparedness. Their priority is maintaining safety, ensuring daily life and tourism in Iceland proceed smoothly. For detailed insights, Dr. Matthew Roberts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office provides informative updates on recent volcanic activities and their implications.
VOLCANIC ACTIVITY IN REYKJANES
Since October last year, increased geophysical activity near Grindavík has led to repeated volcanic eruptions. The town has experienced evacuations since November 10th to ensure resident safety. Currently, the eruption poses no immediate threat to people, and no further evacuations are needed.
Iceland, familiar with volcanic events, has seen three previous eruptions in the area (2021, 2022, and 2023). The country is well-prepared with advanced protocols and experienced geoscientists managing the activity.
More information:
- The Icelandic Road Administration: Information on road conditions and closures in the Reykjanes region
- Safetravel: Updates on safety
- The Icelandic National Broadcasting Service: News coverage
- Visit Reykjanes: Updates from the region
