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Volcanic eruption is underway on the Reykjanes Peninsula

A fissure eruption started on the Reykjanes Peninsula on Monday, December 18th at 10:17 PM. This marks the fourth eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in three years
19.12.2023
Photo: RÚV, National Broadcasting Service. Image from a webcam.
Photo: RÚV, National Broadcasting Service. Image from a webcam.

Key takeaways:

  • A volcanic eruption started on the Reykjanes Peninsula, December 18th at 10:17 PM.
  • The area had previously been evacuated and the eruption does not pose immediate threat to people.
  • Travel and tourism is not affected in the country, except for the area closest to the eruption.
  • Air traffic to and from Iceland is operating normally.
  • International flights to Akureyri airport, as well as domestic flights, are on schedule. The eruption is 500 kilometers away from Akureyri international airport.

A fissure eruption started on the Reykjanes Peninsula on Monday, December 18th at 10:17 PM. This marks the fourth eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in three years. The Icelandic Meteorological Office had been observing an increase in seismic activity in the area since October 24th, identifying it as a possible precursor to a potential eruption. This seismic activity had already led to the precautionary evacuation of all residents of the nearby town of Grindavík on November 10th to guarantee their safety.

The eruption does not pose an immediate threat to people, and no additional evacuations are necessary at this time.

The international airport in Keflavík is functioning normally, all flights are currently operating on schedule. The impact of volcanic eruptions tends to be limited to specific, localized areas near the eruption site. Notably, previous eruptions in the area did not impact air travel to and from the country.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office, the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, and a team of scientists from the University of Iceland are diligently monitoring the situation and analyzing developments.

Iceland is well-acquainted with volcanic activity, having experienced three previous eruptions nearby on the Reykjanes Peninsula in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Icelandic authorities and the public are thoroughly prepared for such events, and the country boasts some of the world's most sophisticated volcanic preparedness protocols. Iceland's geoscientists are extensively experienced in managing volcanic activity.

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