A volcanic eruption on 20 November prompted Blue Lagoon to temporarily shut before a review of the situation on Sunday (24 November).
Blue Lagoon won’t now reopen until Friday (29 November) at the earliest pending another review on Thursday (28 November).
“Due to a volcanic eruption that commenced in Sundhnuksgigar on 20 November, we took the precautionary measure of evacuating and temporarily closing all our operational units," it said in a statement.
“Blue Lagoon will be closed through Thursday 28 November, at which time the situation will be reassessed. This precautionary measure is based on expert analysis of various volcanic eruption scenarios.”
Blue Lagoon confirmed any guests with bookings during this temporary closure will be contacted.
Iceland is located on the fault line between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, making it a seismic hotspot.
The geological systems on the Reykjanes Peninsula reactivated in 2021 and have since erupted with increasing frequency. This latest eruption is the area’s sixth in 2024 and the 10th in three years.
Despite fountains of lava and smoke, the country’s meteorological office said there were no disruptions to air traffic or infrastructure.
Protective barriers have been built at Svartsengi, safeguarding Blue Lagoon’s vital infrastructure against potential lava flows.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office said while volcanic activity had been “fairly stable” at 5am on Sunday, the eruption subsided and “along with that the visible activity in the central crater”. “The situation remains sensitive regarding the possible impact on the infrastructure at Svartsengi,” it added.
The latest UK Foreign Office advisory reads: “It is likely there will be further eruptions in this location. Monitor local media for updates and always following the authorities’ advice on travel to the area.”
Icelandic low-cost carrier Play issued an alert on the day the eruption started, saying: “A new volcanic eruption in the Reykjanes peninsula in Iceland began on 20 November 2024.
“As with previous events in the area, this eruption is not expected to disrupt any flights to or from Iceland.
"Safety is always our top priority and the situation in the Reykjanes peninsula is monitored closely by the relevant authorities.”
Icelandair’s statement mirrored Play’s. “The current volcanic eruption in the southwest region of Iceland has no impact on flight connections to, from and within Iceland,” it said.
Meanwhile, Keflavik airport said it was “fully operational”. "Flights have not been impacted by recent eruptions and are on schedule,” it added.
Image courtesy of Icelandic tour operator software provider Bokun.
