Volcanic eruptions in Iceland are common, and while Keflavik International confirmed there had been a new eruption – sufficient to prompt a Foreign Office alert – there was at the moment "no disruptions to arrivals or departures".
Icelandair put out a similar statement, in which it said the eruption wasn’t affecting its or Keflavik’s operations. "Our flight schedule remains unchanged," it said, adding it was monitoring the situation closely.
New Icelandic carrier Play said the eruption "posed no threat to infrastructure in the area", adding "no travel disruptions are expected as a result".
"The volcanic system is on the Reykjanes Peninsula, not far from Keflavik International Airport," said Play, advising passengers flying to or from Keflavik "to book a window seat to hopefully catch a glimpse of this spectacular natural phenomenon".
The last notable eruption in the Fagradalsfjall system on Iceland’s south-westerly Reykjanes Peninsula was in August 2022, with none of the regular activity in Iceland comparable to the infamous 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption, which all-but grounded European air traffic for several weeks.
The FCDO updated its travel advice on Monday (10 July) to highlight an increase in seismic activity. "Police have advised people to stay away from the area and show caution around mountains, hills and slopes due to danger of rock fall and landslides," said the FCDO.
Iceland’s own Safe Travel agency confirmed the eruption area had been closed by police after "life-threatening gas pollution" was measured in the immediate area.
