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Currently, Iceland is experiencing heightened seismic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula, located southwest of Reykjavik. This is resulting in numerous small earthquakes.
The city of Grindavík, located only 10 miles south of Keflavik International Airport, has been cleared as a safety measure.
However, flights are still operating without any disruptions. The following are the main inquiries and responses regarding consumer rights.
Can I depart from Iceland?
If the global airport continues to function, then this is accurate. Currently, there have been no issues with operations. On Saturday, there are a total of 14 scheduled flights departing and arriving between the UK and this location, and there are no indications of any disruptions to these flights.
You might want to depart before your scheduled time to ensure your departure, but currently you cannot change your flight without incurring a fee.
A representative from British Airways informed The Independent that their flights are running according to schedule and they are closely monitoring the situation.
The tremors occurred only 10 miles south of Keflavík International Airport, the main airport in Iceland. Despite this, the UK Foreign Office has declared that travel can still proceed.
If the circumstances alter, we will directly contact our customers.
easyJet’s statement is largely the same: “Our flights are currently operating as usual, but we are closely monitoring the situation. If anything changes, we will directly notify customers about their flights.”
However, wasn’t there a week-long shutdown of European aviation due to an Icelandic volcano?
Travellers may recall the events of March 2010 when the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted, causing a complete closure of the skies over northern Europe for nearly a week. This was due to concerns that volcanic ash from Iceland could potentially harm airplane engines and put travellers at risk.
Over 50,000 flights were cancelled, affecting eight million passengers who had booked to travel.
As of now in the year 2023, ash has not been a problem during the current geological eruption.
due to the presence of algae
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland has been shut down as a precautionary measure because of the presence of algae.
This text is protected by copyright and cannot be reworded.
What happens if I have a reservation for a package vacation?
The guidance from the Foreign Office does not discourage traveling to Iceland, allowing travel companies to function normally. However, there is no guarantee for automatic cancellation.
The British travelers are advised by the Foreign Office that there is a growing chance of a volcanic eruption. The official alert for “volcanic eruptions and earthquakes” states that there has been an unusual rise in earthquake activity and signs of volcanic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula, located southwest of Reykjavik.
The Icelandic government is closely observing the region, specifically the northwest area near Mt Thorbjörn and the Svartsengi power plant and Blue Lagoon. A Civil Protection Alert was issued on November 10th due to a high number of earthquakes occurring in the area.
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The city of Grindavík was cleared as a safety measure. Certain roads have been shut down and tourists are encouraged to avoid the vicinity.
The Keflavik International Airport is currently functioning without any disruptions. Although there is no erupting volcano at the moment, there is a growing chance that one may happen in the near future.
Unless advised otherwise by the Foreign Office, it is assumed that all plans will proceed as scheduled.
The only exclusion applies to tourists who had intended to lodge at the Blue Lagoon, a trendy “wellness” spot featuring a luxurious hotel on its premises. However, the Blue Lagoon is currently not open.
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 on my insurance?
Unfortunately, “disinclination to travel” is not a valid reason for a claim on most travel insurance policies, unless it falls under the very uncommon “cancel for any reason” coverage.
Are you currently considering a trip to Iceland?
I am eager for the chance to go. Late November is a great time to travel to Iceland for a good deal. The current conditions are also ideal for viewing the Northern Lights, which are currently at the peak of their 11-year cycle.
I am aware that the Icelandic government is highly skilled in managing earthquakes, with exceptional monitoring and emergency protocols in operation.
I would reserve a vacation package, but I am aware that if there are any disruptions to the area due to natural causes, I would have the option to cancel and receive a complete refund.
Source: independent.co.uk
