Volcanic eruption in South Iceland
The volcanic eruption in the glacier Eyjafjallajokull in South Iceland is continuing. But day-to-day life in Iceland is just as usual, even though the eruption has made a profound impact and generated dangers in a specified area. Icelandic civil protection authorities have the situation as regards public response fully under control. The affected areas have been evacuated and damage caused by flooding has been limited to roads, bridges and other infrastructure.
Business as usual
Day to day business in Iceland a has not been affected apart from the directly affected areas in the south. In other parts of the country, Icelanders’ daily life is proceeding quite normally. Domestic fights are running as usual and flights between Iceland and North America.
Air traffic
The ash hurled into the atmosphere by the eruption has however caused serious disruption of air traffic in northern Europe. Icelandic scientists and public authorities, the Meterological Institution and the Icelandic Civil Aviation Administration, remain in close contact with their counterparts in Europe in order to monitor the eruption, the weather conditions and the projected path of the volcanic ash cloud. People are encouraged to monitor the news and contact their travel agents if their flights are canceled.
Travelling in Iceland – safety first
Foreign visitors in Iceland that have had their flights cancelled are advised to contact their travel agents. Visitors coming to Iceland are encouraged to monitor the news and learn about their rights if the flight is cancelled.
Travelers are also urged to take all necessary general precautions while travelling in Iceland and seek the advise of local authorities.
Passengers flying to or from Iceland are advised to follow updated travel information on the following web pages:
- Keflavik International Airport
- Information from Icelandair
- Information from Iceland Express
- Information from SAS
- Information from the Icelandic Civil Aviation Administration
Travelers currently in Iceland are safe and sound, and the appropriate parties are making every effort to make their stay as pleasant and comfortable as possible. All travelers stranded in Reykjavík due to the flight restrictions to Europe have been offered a complimentary Reykjavík Welcome Card which gives access to all the museums and exhibitions in Reykjavík, thermal pools, public transport and more.
Situation report from the Civil Emergency Authorities
