Iceland Volcano - News Archive

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Update 23 May 2010
As of Sunday 23 May 2010, Eyjafjallajokull volcano stopped erupting, and shows little indication that it will start again. For further information, click here »

Update end April 2010

**SITUATION 'AS NORMAL' FOR ICELAND - COUNTRY UPDATE** Day to day life in Iceland continues 'as normal', and visitors are starting to return to Iceland again thanks to the airlines' efforts to resume flight services. Bridges have been repaired, and roads that had been closed between Hvolsvollur and Vik (in the south) are now open to all traffic. There is no reason for travellers not to visit Iceland, and indeed, more than ever with the changed landscape, exploring this extraordinary country with its natural wonders and stunning landscapes continues to captivate visitors.

The volcanic eruption at Eyjafjallajokull continues, however the Icelandic Civil Protection Authorities have the situation as regards public response fully under control. Nobody was hurt in the recent eruptions, and detailed evacuation procedures went to plan and were very effective. Reaction by the authorities has been a resounding success and shows the professionalism, experience and confidence of the Icelandic rescue and emergency services,together with their local partners. 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.

Update 17 April 2010, BST 15:00
According to an update from leading volcanologist in Iceland, Ari Trausti Gudmundson, as of 05:00 this morning the eruption has significantly reduced and the amount of magma is much less. Although ash is still being produced this is also greatly reduced compared to previous days. There are therefore signs that the eruption could be waning. The ice within the caldera is however not melting as quickly as first thought, and estimates are that 80% is still waiting to melt. Wind direction still continues to cause flight disruption across the UK and Europe. Due to the weather now clearing (with clear skies and visibility over the volcano) there will be three flights over the area later today by Icelandic scientists.

Update 16 April 2010, BST 15:45
A further flight will be operated today by Icelandair from Keflavik to Glasgow (departing Iceland at approx. 16:00), and returning to Iceland this evening. We understand that Iceland Express expects to operate a flight from Keflavik at approx. 18:00 this evening, arriving into Glasgow (for London Stansted passengers only). We continue to closely monitor the situation. 

Update 16 April 2010, BST 12:30
News this lunchtime; Icelandair are operating two flights out of Keflavik early this afternoon, taking advantage of a small window of opportunity to fly passengers who have been delayed in Iceland back to the UK. Two aircraft are anticipated to depart Keflavik International at approx. 14:00 local time, to arrive in Glasgow at approx. 17:00. We have been in contact with passengers who are able to make the flight, including several school groups. We are working hard to ensure passengers are kept informed, continue to enjoy their time in Iceland, and are able to return home safely when possible.

Update 15 April 2010, BST 16:30
Due to ongoing disruption caused by the cloud of volcanic ash affecting UK airspace and in accordance with CAA policy we understand that there will be no flights allowed into or out of UK airspace before 07:00 tomorrow , Friday 16 April 2010. The situation will be assessed tomorrow morning and we will provide a further update once details are known. Our dedicated team  continue to remain in contact with affected passengers and to adjust travel plans where necessary. The Civil Protection Department in Iceland has now issued precautionary advice for those located in areas where ash is falling or clearly visible in the air, that face/dust masks should be worn and people should avoid venturing outside. Such masks are readily available at Health Centres and locations throughout Iceland. These cautionary measures are being taken whilst the chemical composition of the ash/dust is being analysed for further information. We anticipate receiving further updates in due course and continue to closely monitor the situation.

Update 15 April 2010, BST 11:00
Early this morning, Discover the World’s Managing Director, Clive Stacey, spoke with Ari Trausti Gudmundsson, an expert on volcanoes in Iceland. His thoughts are that if there is any ash in the upper atmosphere, then this would be due to winds blowing from the direction of Scandinavia. This echoes the fact that the volcanic ash had been travelling in a south easterly direction on 14 April; with flights into and out of Hofn (south east) and Egilsstadir (east) having been cancelled, but the international airports at Keflavik (south west) and Akureyri (north) remaining open at that time. Today’s action (15 April 2010) of cancelling/suspending flights from the UK is likely to therefore be purely precautionary, and it remains to be confirmed if there is in fact any ash in the air, however there is a strong possibility of a small amount of ash travelling in the upper atmosphere. Volcanic ash is produced by the action of magma reacting to the ice. This means that there is still ice covering the area around the immediate eruption site; the eruption occurred at the summit of the Eyafjallajokull glacier. Once all the ice has melted within the crater (which is understood to be around 2.5 kms in diameter) then the amount of ash produced will be very much reduced – however this could take some days. In the meantime the movement of the ash cloud will be influenced by the direction of the wind. The expectation over the next few days is for northerly and north-easterly winds in Iceland, however the weather remains unpredictable and ultimately changeable.

Discover the World has been operating holidays to Iceland for over 26 years, and we have always admired the positive and practical attitude of the Icelandic people. Their quick reactions and practical know-how have been illustrated in the effective management of any earthquakes and eruptions. More recently, this has been apparent following the smaller Fimmvorduhals eruption in March 2010, and the prompt action taken since yesterday, with the larger Eyjafjallajokull eruption. Areas were quickly evacuated as appropriate, following a well thought-out and detailed emergency procedure, and thanks to clever planning, roads and bridges were protected against the floodwater which resulted from the melting glacial ice. Discover the World’s specialist team, have managed to minimise any unavoidable disruption to travel arrangements, and have been making itinerary changes according to local conditions and road openings. We will remain in contact with our clients. As soon as further information as to the situation regarding flights is forthcoming, we will act accordingly.

Update 15 April 2010, BST 10:40 
Icelandair has confirmed that all flights between the UK and Iceland today (15 April 2010) have been cancelled, and that at present it is expected that London Heathrow will be closed until approx. 23:30.  Our team is contacting any clients affected by this action today.

Update 15 April 2010, BST 09:15 
Following the Eyjafjallajokull eruption yesterday, due to volcanic ash in the upper atmosphere, there has been major disruption to air travel. Flights into and out of Iceland have been suspended, and passengers should therefore not go to the airport at present. Currently there is no update as to when normal services will be resumed; we are awaiting further information which will be posted on this website and communicated to our passengers as soon as we have this.  We will remain in contact with our passengers. A further update is anticipated at 11:30 BST.

Update 14 April 2010, BST 17:50
Latest news from Iceland is that the glacial burst has occurred, and that the bridges on Road 1 have stood firm, with no structural damage. Any precautionary changes to the road structure to allow for meltwater will be repaired over the next few days, and the situation will quickly return to normal.

**VOLCANO TOURS**
Our popular 'Volcano Eruption Special' holiday (based in Reykjavik) will be reintroduced with some changes as soon as we have a clearer picture on the situation. What is apparent at present, is that the new Eyjafjallajokull eruption (from under the icecap) will be visible in clear weather from the south coast, particular from the Hvolsvollur and Skogar areas. Hotel Ranga will therefore be an ideal base from which to view the action (as per our 'Volcano Watch' tour). Various excursions will be available. Please contact us if you would like priority-status on receiving this information!


Update 14 April 2010, BST 16:20 
Reaction in Iceland has been incredibly quick and efficient to the Eyjafjallajokull eruption which started this morning (just before 4am local time, according to scientists at the Icelandic Meterological Institute). The volcanic fissure on the glacier’s surface is understood to be around two kilometres in length. The eruption is below the highest peak of Eyjafjallajokull, at the southern rim of the caldera, and a plume is rising at least 8 km into the air. No lava can be seen from the ground.  We continue to await news of the glacial outburst, although rivers in the area have risen significantly already, and water is already flowing with immense force through the Markafjlotsandur outwash plains area, to open water. Roads from Hvolsvollur to Skogar remain closed. The authorities have removed parts of the road to ease the floodwaters and protect bridges as best as possible. These will be reinstated as soon as the affected area has been deemed safe. We are confident that any unavoidable disruption in the next week or so will be well-managed and minimised where possible. We are in touch with our clients and are rearranging itineraries where appropriate. Further updates will be posted on this website as and when we receive them. 

Update 14 April 2010, BST 10:30
The eruption on Fimmvorduhals volcano, between the glaciers Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull, which started on the 20 March, ended late on the 12 April. However early this morning a new eruption started nearby, under the Eyjafjallajokull glacier. The eruption which is at the highest point of the glacier has just broken through the 300 metres of ice covering the icecap, and we are now waiting for the ensuing glacial outburst, which is expected to pass under the glacier, through the Gigjokull glacier and lagoon and over the Markarfljotsandur outwash plain to the sea. This is an uninhabited area. For a pictorial view of what is happening, click here»
As a precaution the main ring road has been closed between Hvolsvollur and Skogar but once the outburst referred to above has taken place we expect the road to reopen. At present we are expecting the road to be closed until the morning of the 15 April and are contacting our clients to rearrange their itineraries.  A map with further information as to any road closures can be found on the Icelandic Road Administration's website. It is important to emphasise that the authorities are taking all necessary precautions and there is no danger to clients in the inhabited areas which have not been evacuated. The eruption is expected to be even more spectacular than the one at Fimmvorduhals and will be easily visible from the main roads.

Fimmvorduhals Volcanic Eruption in Iceland - MARCH 2010

Volcanic Eruption - Update 12 April 2010, BST 16:30
The lava continues to burst forth and flow steadily from the Fimmvorduhals fissure, with rare and impressive lava falls being reported.  Excursions (by superjeep, sightseeing flight, snowmobile) continue to operate, based either from Reykjavik or along the south coast (departing Hveragerdi, Selfoss and Hotel Ranga) with enthusiastic and excited feedback from participants. The weather continues to play an important part in the operation of these activities.  Scientific reports vary as to whether the eruption will stop in the near future, or continue for some time. The latest update is available from the Icelandic Meterological Office's website.

Volcanic Eruption - Update 1 April 2010, BST 15:30
Following a further fissure opening at the Fimmvorduhals volcano last night,as a safety precaution a 1 km restriction has been placed around the immediate area of the eruption and the resulting lava flow. Organised excursions from Reykjavik and the South of Iceland are now continuing with great success. It is essential that visitors participate in an official organised group tour and that they are properly prepared with warm clothing and supplies - weather conditions are unpredictable.

Volcanic Eruption - Update 21 March 2010, GMT 12:45
All roads previously closed due to the eruption are now reopened.

Volcanic Eruption - Statement from Discover the World, 21 March 2010, GMT 10:30
Just before midnight on 20 March 2010 the volcano at Fimmvorduhals near Eyjafjallajokull/glacier in south Iceland began to erupt. Emergency plans were immediately enacted by the Icelandic authorities to move around 500 residents from areas that may possibly be affected; primarily around the Fljotshlid region. It is almost 200 years since a volcano near Eyjafjallajokull, 120km (75 miles) east of Reykjavik, last erupted.

The main Icelandic newspaper, Morgenbladid (www.mbl.is), has reported that there are two lava flows, one to the east and a larger flow to the west, and that there is no melting of ice. Fortunately, the eruption occurred at a volcano between two glaciers (at Fimmvorduhals).

Eruptions can last for an unknown length of time.

This eruption has not affected lines of communication to Iceland, however should you have any concerns for people travelling in Iceland with Discover the World at present, please call our emergency telephone number: +44 (0) 7793 267510.