Recently, a volcano erupted on the Reykjanes peninsula in Iceland, situated south of Reykjavik, prompting evacuations of tourists and residents from the nearby town of Grindavik and the renowned Blue Lagoon spa.

The eruption, which occurred on April 1, marked the 11th volcanic event in Iceland since 2021, with the previous one recorded in November 2024. Emergency services took precautions by evacuating the Blue Lagoon and Grindavik prior to the eruption, as geologists had anticipated the event.

The Icelandic Met Office reported that the volcanic activity began at 9:45 AM local time, just north of a protective barrier near Grindavik, following a series of earthquakes in the region. A state of emergency has been established; however, flights in and out of Iceland remain unaffected.

Here’s what you need to know regarding the current situation.

Current Situation in Grindavik

The recent eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula occurred close to Grindavik, the nearest town to the site. While Grindavik itself is not directly in the path of lava flows, significant geological movements have been detected within the town, which has seen very few returning residents since the late 2023 eruption. Local roads remain closed for safety.

Travel Safety to Iceland Right Now

Visiting both the eruption site and Grindavik is currently unsafe. There could also be harmful gases in the area affecting air quality.

The Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s premier tourist attraction, has temporarily closed as of April 1, with plans to reassess the situation after that date. However, other parts of the country, including Reykjavik, continue to be safe for visitors, and Keflavik International Airport is functioning normally.

Foreign Office Travel Advisory

In light of the latest eruption, the UK Foreign Office has noted that further eruptions in the area are likely. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed through local media and heed authorities’ guidance regarding travel to the affected regions.

According to the Foreign Office, recent seismic activity has influenced Grindavik and its northern surroundings, but Keflavik International Airport and the road access remain operational. Reykjavik and other regions in Iceland are not impacted by the eruptions.

The Icelandic government closely monitors volcanic activity; however, unforeseen events can still disrupt travel plans due to risks like landslides, flooding, and toxic gases near eruption sites.

Which Volcano is Erupting in Iceland?

The recent eruption occurred at the Sundhnuksgigar crater row located north of Grindavik on the Reykjanes peninsula. The protective barrier north of the town has been compromised, with Grindavik situated about 35 miles southwest of Reykjavik and 16 miles from the international airport, and in proximity to the Blue Lagoon.

Travelers are advised to keep updated with alerts from the Icelandic Met Office.

Is the Blue Lagoon Closed?

As of April 1, the Blue Lagoon, along with its accommodations and dining facilities, is temporarily closed.

Impact on Flights to Iceland

Flights to and from Iceland are continuing without interruption, unaffected by the volcanic activity and earthquakes on the Reykjanes peninsula.

In contrast to the significant air travel disruption caused by the Eyjafjallajokull eruption in 2010, which stranded millions, current safety measures and monitoring systems are deemed more robust. The EU Aviation Safety Agency emphasized their preparedness for volcanic ash events and is collaborating with aviation stakeholders to evaluate any potential impacts.

Has Reykjavik Been Affected by the Volcano?

Reykjavik has not suffered any effects from the eruption, and according to the Foreign Office’s travel advice, it remains a safe destination for visitors.

Additional reporting by Lizzie Frainier and Claudia Rowan.