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Iceland flights operations normal as volcanic lava flow reaches Blue Lagoon
Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is closed as lava flows reached the edge of the facility’s car park.
This is the seventh time the Reykjanes volcano has erupted this year.
There is a three kilometres long fissue although the intensity is thought to be less severe than the previous eruption.
The nearby Keflavik International Airport remains open with flight operations normal.
However, airport operator ISAVIA advised passengers to keep abreast of flight updates.
Although unlikely this time, aviation authorities always prep for a possible closure of airspace.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said: “In the event of an eruption and ash cloud, the agency will work with other aviation actors to assess the impact for aviation and make recommendations accordingly.”
The Blue Lagoon has closed and the town of Grindavík was evacuated.
Authorities have warned curious tourists to stay away from the volcano and Grindavík.
“This is not a tourist attraction and you must watch it from a great distance,” Vidir Reynisson, head of Iceland’s Civil Protection and Emergency Management, said.
The lava flow reached the parking area of the Blue lagoon and was flowing at a rate of about 100 metres per hour.
“By midday, lava reached the parking lot at the Blue Lagoon and continues to advance. This lava field has now extended farther west than any lava flow from previous eruptions,” the Iceland Met Office said on Thursday.
“We took the precautionary measure of evacuating and temporarily closing all our operational units.,” Blue Lagoon said.
It could reopen by Monday if safe to do so.
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