Iceland’s Volcanic Fury Impact on Flights, Travel Safety, and State of Emergency Amid Fagradalsfjall Eruption! – A volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland has triggered a state of emergency, raising concerns about travel safety and the impact on flights. The Fagradalsfjall volcano, dormant for 6,000 years until its 2021 eruption, is once again making headlines. This article delves into the current situation, focusing on flight disruptions, safety measures, and the unpredictability of the ongoing lava flow.
Eruption at Sundhnúka crater Iceland
The eruption from the Coast Guard helicopter
Bragi Valgeirsson, a newsroom cameraman, took these pictures from the Coast Guard's helicopter a while ago. pic.twitter.com/znJ4jsqDZ7— Wonders (@LEIA197900) December 19, 2023
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Volcanic Eruption Unleashed:
The Fagradalsfjall eruption, commencing on December 18, 2023, near Grindavik, has resulted in evacuations. Despite the heightened seismic activity preceding it, the government declared a state of emergency. Videos from the Icelandic Coast Guard reveal magma spewing from the volcano’s fissures, raising concerns about safety and travel disruptions.
A volcanic eruption has started on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The eruption is about 3,5 km long close to Sundhnúka, north of Grindavik where evacuation orders have been in place. There are no disruptions to flights to and from Iceland and international flight corridors remain open. pic.twitter.com/w9YB5wa6HR
— Bjarni Benediktsson (@Bjarni_Ben) December 19, 2023
Flight Operations at Keflavik International Airport:
Situated 20 km north of the eruption, Keflavik International Airport, Iceland’s main gateway, remains functional. However, the road connecting the airport to Grindavik is closed. Foreign Minister Bjarne Benediktsson assures the public that flights to and from Iceland are unaffected, and international flight corridors remain open.
Expert Comment:
“There are no disruptions to flights to and from Iceland, and international flight corridors remain open,” emphasizes Bjarne Benediktsson, Iceland’s Foreign Minister.
Tourist Warning and Eruption Intensity:
Authorities caution against viewing the eruption as a tourist attraction, emphasizing the need to maintain a safe distance. Despite the intensity of the eruptions reducing on December 19, the duration remains uncertain. Seismologist Kristin Jonsdottir notes that the lava emergence rate is between 100 to 200 cubic meters per second, adding complexity to predicting the eruption’s duration.
Safety Measures and Air Travel Status:
An eruption has begun near the evacuated town of Grindavík. Our priorities remain to protect lives and infrastructure. Civil Defence has closed off the affected area. We now wait to see what the forces of nature have in store. We are prepared and remain vigilant.
📷 @Vedurstofan pic.twitter.com/yKx4WKU61c— Office of the President of Iceland (@PresidentISL) December 19, 2023
The Icelandic Met Office and Safe Travel Iceland underline that air travel is safe as long as individuals avoid Grindavik and surrounding areas. Keflavik International Airport operates with delays, and airlines commit to notifying customers of any schedule changes. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) claims improved readiness compared to the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption and states it will assess the impact of ash clouds in collaboration with aviation stakeholders.
EASA Statement:
“In the event of an eruption and development of an ash cloud, the agency will work with other aviation actors to assess the impact for aviation and make recommendations accordingly,” states EASA in a November 2023 release.
While Iceland boasts 33 active volcanoes, the recent eruption’s impact led to the temporary closure of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. A renowned tourist attraction, the Blue Lagoon reopened on December 16, 2023, after a November closure. However, the current eruptions prompt its closure once again.
Geological Background and Unpredictability:
Iceland, positioned on the Mid-Atlantic ridge, where the North American and Eurasian plates meet, is prone to volcanic activity. The Fagradalsfjall volcanic system’s 2021 eruption turned it into a tourist hotspot. Eyewitnesses now report seeing the recent eruptions from Reykjavik, 42 km northeast of Grindavik, with the sky lighting up in red.
📍Southern Peninsula Region
Iceland 🇮🇸 🌋Captivating close-up footage of the recent eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which commenced just a few hours ago (December 19th, 2023)#Iceland #Eruption pic.twitter.com/J9zt223n3C
— Universe 🌌🌍 (@Amr10062) December 19, 2023
Scientific Insight:
Scientist Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson highlights the uncertainty, stating, “The eruptions can be over in a week, or it could take quite a bit longer.”
Our facilities have been temporarily closed due to a volcanic eruption in Sundhnúkagígar that started this evening. Sundhnúkagígar is a known volcanic area east of Blue Lagoon and north of Grindavík. All guests with confirmed bookings in the upcoming days will be contacted. pic.twitter.com/sMLYyI0o4l
— Blue Lagoon Iceland (@BlueLagoonIS) December 19, 2023
Conclusion:
As the Fagradalsfjall volcano continues its eruption, Iceland navigates through the challenges posed by seismic activity. Keflavik International Airport remains open, and safety measures are in place. Tourists are advised to exercise caution, respecting the closed eruption area. The duration of the eruptions remains unpredictable, leaving authorities and experts vigilant.
Expert Comment:
“These eruptions are a stark reminder of the geological dynamics at play. While air travel remains operational, travelers should stay informed and adhere to safety guidelines,” advises Shashank, a geologist specializing in volcanic activity.
