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The earth has been shaking for months and now a volcanic eruption has occurred in southwestern Iceland. As a precaution, several thousand residents were evacuated. What does the fourth eruption in less than three years on the Reykjanes Peninsula mean for Swiss travelers and air traffic? Blick provides the answers to the most important questions.
What are the consequences of the volcanic eruption?
The eruption took place in the Sundhnjúka crater on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Keflavik International Airport is just over 25 kilometers from the eruption site. The airport initially remained open, but there were numerous delays in both arrivals and departures due to a standard one-hour airspace closure after the outbreak began.
The airport in the capital Reykjavik also remained open. There were occasional delays in take-off and landing. Air traffic was largely back to normal on Tuesday.
What do tour operators and airlines say?
Sandra Studer, media spokeswoman for tour operator Globetrotter, reported no major consequences at Blick’s request. “In the event of an emergency scenario, we contact all customers on site, inform them of the circumstances and provide support. This also applies to customers before departure to the affected destination,” she explains. The situation in Iceland is continuously monitored.
“All trips can take place as planned,” says travel specialist Kontiki in Northern Europe. “We are closely monitoring the situation and developments in order to be able to take appropriate measures in a timely manner if necessary,” said Swiss media spokeswoman Meike Fuhlrott when asked. Flight routes can be adjusted if necessary.
Icelandair is operating its flight schedule as usual. “We will continue to monitor the situation and keep our passengers informed through our normal channels – email, SMS, in our mobile app and in the travel alert section of our website,” explains head of communications Asdis Petursdottir.
Which regions are particularly affected?
The city of Grindavík is especially at risk. The almost 4,000 residents there have already been evacuated. The Blue Lagoon tourist attraction, just a few kilometers from the city, was closed. Attractions on the Reykjanes Peninsula cannot be visited at this time. Tourists must stay out of the danger zone.
What does the volcanic eruption mean for travel in 2024?
“As a visitor to Iceland, it is important to keep your mobile phone switched on at all times, as up-to-date information can be sent by both the authorities and us via text message,” said Kontiki spokeswoman Madeleine Mathis. “Volcanoes are part of Iceland and an eruption can be expected at any time,” she adds.
Globetrotter spokeswoman Studer advises to plan the itinerary according to local conditions and adjust it if necessary. The instructions of the local authorities must be followed.
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
