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The earth is at its most restless in Iceland right now. The Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik, is seething with seismic activity sparking hundreds of small earthquakes.
As a precaution, the town of Grindavík, located only 10 miles south of Keflavik International Airport, has been evacuated.
However, regular flights are still operating and arriving as usual. The following are the essential inquiries and responses regarding consumer rights.
Can I depart from Iceland?
Assuming the international airport remains open, operations have been running smoothly. If you wish to depart earlier than your scheduled flight, you may have to pay a penalty as flight changes are not currently possible.
The Independent was informed by a representative from British Airways that our flights are running according to schedule and we are keeping a close eye on the situation.
The recent tremors occurred approximately 10 miles south of Keflavík International Airport in Iceland, but the UK foreign office has confirmed that travel is still permitted.
If circumstances change, we will contact customers directly.
The statement from easyJet is almost identical: “Our flight schedule is currently running without any issues, but we are closely monitoring the situation. If there are any changes, we will directly notify customers about their flights.”
However, wasn’t there a week-long disruption of European air travel due to an Icelandic volcano?
Travellers may recall the events of April 2010, when the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull occurred. For nearly a week, the airspace over northern Europe was shut down to commercial flights due to concerns that volcanic ash from Iceland could pose a threat to airplane engines and the safety of passengers.
Over 50,000 flights and eight million passengers’ travel plans were disrupted due to cancellations.
As of now in 2023, ash has not been a concern in the ongoing geological eruption.
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland has been shut down as a precautionary measure.
What should I do if I have a reservation for a packaged vacation?
Foreign Office advice stops well short of advising against travel to Iceland, meaning holiday companies can continue to operate as normal – with no automatic right to cancel.
The British Foreign Office has issued a warning to travelers, stating that there is a growing likelihood of a volcanic eruption. The official advisory concerning “volcanic eruptions and earthquakes” states, “There has been a rise in seismic activity and signs of volcanic activity beyond normal levels on the Reykjanes peninsula, located southwest of Reykjavik.”
The Icelandic government is closely observing the area, with special attention to the northwest of Mt Thorbjörn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon. On November 10th, a Civil Protection Alert was issued due to a high number of earthquakes.
As a precaution, the town of Grindavík has been evacuated and certain roads have been closed. It is recommended for visitors to avoid the area.
The operations of Keflavik International Airport are running normally. Although there is no current volcanic activity, there is a growing likelihood of an eruption.
As long as the Foreign Office does not advise against travel, it is assumed that all plans will proceed as usual.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office recommends that travelers consult the following sources for the latest updates:
Unfortunately, the only exclusion applies to tourists who had previously arranged to visit the Blue Lagoon. This destination has become more and more popular for its focus on wellness and features a luxurious hotel on its premises. However, the Blue Lagoon is currently not open for visitors.
Only those booked for a stay have the chance to cancel; if you were hoping to pop in as a day visitor for a steamy stop in the volcanic rock pools, you will need to return at some time in the future.
Is it possible for me to make a claim through my insurance policy?
Unfortunately, unless you have a very uncommon “cancel for any reason” policy, “not wanting to travel” is not a valid reason for making a claim on regular travel insurance.
Are you currently considering a trip to Iceland?
I would gladly take advantage of the chance. Late November is a great time to travel to Iceland for a good deal. The current conditions are also ideal for the possibility of witnessing a spectacular display of the Northern Lights, which are currently at their peak in the typical 11-year celestial cycle.
Additionally, I am aware that the Icelandic government is highly skilled in managing seismic events, as they have established and effective monitoring and emergency systems in place.
I would reserve a vacation package, however, I am aware that if the area becomes too unstable, I can cancel and receive a complete refund.
Source: independent.co.uk
