A new fissure measuring around 2.5km (1.5 miles) has opened up near Sundhnuksgigar according to Iceland’s meteorological office spitting molten rock some 50 metres into the air. A new state of emergency has been declared.
In a statement, Blue Lagoon said: "Due to a volcanic eruption that commenced in Sundhnuksgigar on 29 May, we took the precautionary measure of evacuating and temporarily closing all our operational units.
"We have made the decision to extend the closure until 31 May, at which time the situation will be reassessed."
Blue Lagoon is situated a few kilometres south of Iceland’s main international airport Keflavik. The airport said it had noted the latest eruption, but stressed it was "open and operating in the usual way", although passengers are advised to continue monitoring flight information.
Icelandair said its flights were not affected by the eruption and that life in Iceland "continues as normal".
"Volcanic activity is ongoing in a localised area on the Reykjanes peninsula of southwest Iceland, but not to worry – it’s business as usual for us and your travel plans," said the carrier. "As with previous activity in this area, our schedule and the operations of Keflavik airport remain unaffected."
Iceland’s low-cost transatlantic carrier Play said as with previous eruptions in the area, the new activity "is not expected to disrupt any flights to or from Iceland". "Traffic to and from Keflavik airport is not affected by this event," it added.
Lava flows, though, have once again cut off the nearby town of Grindavik, said the Icelandic met office, while a change in wind direction is expected to direct some of the gas and pollution from the eruption towards Iceland’s capital Reykjavik on Thursday (30 May).
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Iceland. "Recently, there has been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwest Iceland, the latest on 29 May," said the FCDO.
"These have affected the town of Grindavik and the area to the north of it. Stay away from this area. All roads to Grindavik and the surrounding area are closed. The likelihood of further eruptions in this location remains high. Check local media for updates and follow the Iceland authorities’ advice on travel."
