Countries Warn Travellers Over Potential Volcano Eruption in Iceland

Summary

• Fagradalsfjall volcanic eruption is threatening Iceland, as over 4,000 people have been evacuated from their homes.
• Keflavik International Airport, despite being 17 kilometres north of the eruption site, is still operating flights.
• UK & Ireland have issued travel warnings for visitors directed to Iceland.

For several days, Iceland has been under pressure of an imminent volcanic eruption, with the authorities declaring a state of emergency after hundreds of small earthquakes have affected the Reykjanes Peninsula, which is the country’s most populated region.

According to the Icelandic Met Office, the potential of Fagradalsfjall volcanic eruption is high, and it has been going on for more than two weeks, while the authorities have evacuated almost 4,000 people from their homes, especially from the town of Grindavik, a fishing town that was hit by a 4.8 magnitude earthquake earlier this week, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

The country’s Keflavik International Airport is still operating flights despite being only around 16 kilometres away from the eruption site, and as a spokesperson for easyJet told the Independent, customers will be updated on their flights upon changes.

Our flying schedule is currently operating as normal; however, we are monitoring the situation closely, and should this change, we will contact customers directly to advise on their flights.

EasyJet

UK & Ireland Issue Travel Advisory for Iceland Following Volcano Eruption Risks

The UK Foreign Office updated travellers last week about the volcanic eruption in Iceland and advised visitors to stay away from Grindavik town as well as the surrounding territory.

Earthquakes and indications of volcanic activity have increased above normal levels on the Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik. The Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely, particularly the area northwest of Mt Thorbjörn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon. 

UK Foreign Office

Similarly, Irish authorities have advised against travelling to the island and prohibit travelling to the affected town, warning visitors to follow directions and guidance of the local authorities closely.

However, neither the British nor Irish governments have not issued a travel warning that forbids travel to Iceland, meaning that airlines and holiday companies are operating as normal, and travellers who cancel their bookings can risk not having a refund on their tickets.

We’d like to stress that if the current FCO guidance remains advisory, insurance coverage stands as normal.

Jonathan Frankham, General Manager of Travel Insurance Company World Nomads

Travellers to Europe are always recommended to purchase travel insurance. By having insured their travel, visitors can protect themselves from inconveniences like flight cancellations, delays, or even natural disasters and from excessive expenses.

Some of the best deals for affordable travel insurance can be found at AXA Travel Insurance, Europ Assistance, Allianz Travel Insurance, Mondial Care, Mutuaide and DR-WALTER.