UK Flights Axed as Iceland Faces 'Danger Zone' Amid Volcano Fears

Travellers bound for Iceland may encounter disruption as the "hazardous zones" in the nation expand.

Presently, flights departing from its primary airport face cancellations due to ongoing adverse weather conditions.

Iceland remains under a persistent safety advisory, anticipating a potential eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano.

Recent seismic activity implies an imminent eruption, prompting the classification of additional areas in Grindavík and Svartsengi as "hazardous zones" due to significant ground uplift caused by magma.

The most recent update from the Icelandic Meteorological Office, released on November 21, reports 165 earthquakes, all below magnitude 2, recorded at the magma tunnel since midnight. This is a reduction compared to the previous days when 1,500-1,800 earthquakes were daily occurrences.

A yellow alert for adverse weather has been declared by the Icelandic Met Office, warning that an eruption could transpire with as little as 30 minutes' notice.

The British Government continues to issue a travel advisory for those journeying to Iceland.

The FCO asserts:

"Earthquakes and indications of volcanic activity have increased above normal levels on the Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik.

"The Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely, particularly the area northwest of Mt Thorbjörn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon.”

"On 10 November, a Civil Protection Alert was declared after an intense swarm of earthquakes.”

"The town of Grindavík was evacuated as a precaution.”

"Some roads have been closed and visitors are advised to stay away from the area."

The ongoing warning highlights road closures and advises visitors to steer clear of the affected area.

How do the flight operations stand?

The town housing the volcano is merely 16 miles from the international Keflavík airport.

Flights departing from Keflavík Airport, including those to London Luton and Manchester, have been preemptively canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions. The airport's statement indicates:

"Flights to and from Keflavík Airport can be affected by strong winds and bad weather on November 21st and 22nd.

Passengers are urged to verify flight times on the Keflavík Airport website, as further cancellations or delays are possible.

This development coincides with an increase in tourist taxes for Britons heading to Iceland.

Source: gbnews.com