For the tenth time in the last three years, the volcano near Reykjavik has erupted. The brand new three kilometer long fissure appeared on the Reykjanes Peninsula late in the evening on Wednesday, belching smoke high into the sky and lava all over the nearby region. While smaller than the previous eruption in May 2024, safety concerns prompted the evacuation of a nearby community, though no damage to the town is expected.
Despite the smoke, air travel remains at full capacity for the moment. That doesn't mean there is no impact at all. Lava flows and smoke could shut down roads and local tourist attractions. Additionally, anyone visiting the region near the new Sundhnukur fissure should be aware of the situation and watch for updates on the situation. While everything seems to be relatively fine at the moment, things can change so being at least mentally prepared would be advisable.
Iceland is full of natural wonders, many of which are due to volcanic activity. Keeping that in mind, an erupting volcano is not a tourist attraction. Local authorities have had to deal with travelers trying to get too close to an active volcano for pictures and selfies over the past few years. No matter how cool it looks, a volcanic eruption is not a safe place for civilians.
It's important to note that Iceland has been dealing with volcanos and earthquakes since the day people set foot on the island for the first time. They are well versed in safely dealing with the situation, having established procedures in place that have evolved with changing technology. It remains safe to travel to Iceland, though it never hurts to check the current situation before heading out. Even if the planes are flying, a volcanic eruption could still impact your plans in numerous ways.