Volcanic activity in Reykjanes

Updated 30 July 2025

An eruption began on the Reykjanes Peninsula shortly before 4 AM on July 16th, in the Sundhnúkur fissure just north of Grindavík. The lava flow is ongoing but has decreased significantly since the eruption began, with activity remaining in one crater.

Air traffic to and from Iceland is unaffected, and Iceland remains open and safe for tourists.

Travelers in the area with respiratory conditions are advised to take extra care, as gas pollution from the eruption may cause discomfort. We also remind those visiting the eruption site to keep a safe distance, as walking on new lava is extremely dangerous — the surface can collapse without warning, exposing glowing lava beneath.

For questions and interview requests regarding the following subjects, please refer specific inquiries to relevant parties:

• General inquiries, including Civil Protection [email protected]
• Seismic activity and geography  [email protected]
• The Icelandic Red Cross, Press Officer for the Red Cross in Iceland, Mr. Oddur Freyr Þorsteinsson [email protected]

• Volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula resumed shortly before 4 AM on July 16th.
• The volcanic activity is highly localized and has no impact on air traffic or attractions across the rest of Iceland.
• The eruption is gradually decreasing.
• Travelers in the area with respiratory conditions should take extra care due to gas pollution.
  An eruption began on the Reykjanes Peninsula shortly before 4 AM on July 16th, in the Sundhnúkur fissure just north of Grindavík. It followed a wave of seismic activity, triggered by magma intrusion, that started around midnight. As a precaution, the town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon were safely evacuated. Both have since reopened to the public. While the lava flow continues, its intensity has significantly decreased since the eruption began, with activity remaining in one crater.

Air traffic to and from Iceland continues to operate normally, and the country remains a safe destination.

Travelers with respiratory conditions are advised to take extra care, as gas pollution from the eruption may cause discomfort. Vulnerable individuals should limit outdoor exposure if symptoms occur. You can check current air quality conditions here.

We also remind those visiting the eruption site that walking on new lava is extremely dangerous, as the surface can collapse without warning, exposing glowing lava beneath. For updates on road closures, visit Safetravel.is and Road.is.

This volcanic activity is highly localized and has no impact on infrastructure or attractions across the rest of Iceland. Iceland authorities and the public are highly prepared for such events, and Iceland has one of the world's most effective volcanic preparedness measures.

All Icelandic infrastructure is designed and built with these geological factors in mind, and preparedness in the case of an eruption is undoubtedly one of the best in the world. Icelandic infrastructure is prepared and stress-tested to deal with natural catastrophes and is not likely to shut down in the event of an eruption.

Volcanic activity is a fact of life in Iceland, and Icelanders have learned to live with its drawbacks and considerable advantages, such as geothermal energy.

All airports in Iceland are functioning normally and all flights to Iceland are operating on schedule. The impact of volcanic eruptions tends to be limited to specific, localized areas near the eruption site. Notably, previous eruptions in the Reykjanes Peninsula did not impact air travel to and from the country in any way.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office, The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, and a team of scientists from the University of Iceland closely monitor and analyzing developments relating seismic activities.

There is no way of accurately predicting whether, where, or when seismic activity may result in a volcanic eruption or the possible size of such an eruption, but they are closely monitored and constantly evaluated based on the best scientific data available.

Iceland is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge, making it one of the most active volcanic regions in the world. Regular seismic events are a characteristic feature of Icelandic geology, ranging from minor tremors to significant earthquakes. Seismic activity in Iceland is often due to magma movement beneath the earth's crust. It may sometimes result in magma seeking the easiest path to the surface and becoming a volcanic eruption.

Iceland is no stranger to volcanic activity, and there have been twelve eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. Icelandic authorities and the public are highly prepared for such events, and Iceland has one of the world's most effective volcanic preparedness measures. Iceland's geoscientists possess vast experience in dealing with volcanic activities.