A new volcanic eruption commenced on the evening of December 18 near Grindavik, Iceland, following weeks of seismic activity along the Reykjanes Peninsula. The eruption, originating about 4km northeast of Grindavik, was marked by visible magma flows along a hill ridge. Authorities have restricted access to the area, prohibiting hiking and maintaining road closures, though Keflavik International Airport remains open with uninterrupted operations.
The impact of volcanoes on air travel is significant, as demonstrated by previous events. The eruption of Eyjafjallajokull in April 2010 is a stark example. It resulted in the cancellation of over 100,000 flights between Europe and North America over eight days, caused by a quarter of a billion cubic meters of ash dispersed into the atmosphere. This disruption was due to unique circumstances where a glacier atop the volcano rapidly cooled the lava, creating fine ash particles propelled into the air.
In contrast, the current eruption in Iceland, like the three others on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the past three years, presents a lower risk to aviation, partly due to the absence of significant ash emissions. Nonetheless, volcanic eruptions can endanger flights by causing engine failures, damaging flight control systems, and reducing visibility. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is now better equipped to handle such events, promising coordinated efforts to assess and mitigate aviation impacts.
Although the immediate effects on air travel remain minimal, the unpredictability of volcanic activity makes it challenging to forecast the extent of potential disruptions. The Icelandic Met Office emphasizes this uncertainty, with the eruption’s duration remaining unknown. Airlines advise passengers to remain vigilant for updates, underscoring the profound impact volcanoes can have on air cargo and freight, with potential for significant logistical and economic consequences. See drone footage of eruption here.
