Seismic activity in Reykjanes

The Icelandic Civil Protection authorities have downgraded the categorization to the seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula to a state of alert, from a state of emergency, as of 11am on 23 November.

The decision has been made following the Icelandic Meteorological Office’s assessment that the probability of a sudden eruption in the town of Grindavík has steadily decreased daily and the risk is now considered small.

The possibility of a volcanic eruption in the area above the magma tunnel, most likely between Hagafell and Sýlingarfell, still remains and it is possible magma could return to the tunnel beneath Grindavík, though this will be quickly identified through seismic and GPS sensors.

ivil Protection and Emergency Management (CPEM) has advised that the area is still well patrolled and remains dangerous.

Monitoring the situation

The Government of Iceland continues to monitor the situation in collaboration with the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management and the Icelandic Meteorological Office, local authorities and partners across industry, travel and tourism.

There are no disruptions to flights to and from Iceland and international flight corridors remain open.
There is also good access via all routes to Keflavík airport, including Reykjanesbraut, which is operating as usual.

The latest information on the situation can be found here:

Frequently asked questions:

What is the probability of a volcanic eruption?

According to the Icelandic Met Office there is a decreased likelihood of a volcanic eruption in the town of Grindavík, though it is still possible in the area above the magma tunnel.

At this moment it is not possible to conclude when or if an eruption might unfold, or accurately pinpoint where exactly it might surface within the high-risk zone. The Icelandic Meteorological Office, The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, and a team of scientists from the University of Iceland are closely monitoring the situation and analyzing the developments.

Seismic activity is part of Icelandic life and this potential eruption is likely to impact a limited local area of the country.

For more information, please visit The Icelandic Met Office’s website.

How will an eruption effect flights to Iceland?

While the possibility of air traffic disturbance cannot be entirely ruled out, scientists consider it an unlikely scenario. The potential disruption to flight traffic would depend on factors such as the location and size of the eruption. Typically, the impact of volcanic eruptions is confined to specific, localized areas. Notably, previous eruptions in the area did not impact flights to and from the country.

Currently, there are no disruptions to flights to and from Iceland and international flight corridors remain open.

Please contact your airline for further information.

Should I cancel my trip to Iceland?

Typically, the impact of volcanic eruptions is confined to specific, localized areas. A precautionary evacuation order has been issued for the town of Grindavík in the Reykjanes Peninsula. If you have planned to stay in the vicinity of this area, please contact your hotel or travel agency directly to receive guidance. The rest of Iceland's hotels and attractions are operating as normal.

The original state of emergency was downgraded on 23 November following a decrease in seismic activity in the area.

Currently, there are no disruptions to flights to and from Iceland and international flight corridors remain open.

For updated information and travel advice please visit:

What is the likelihood of a submarine eruption and what implications would that have?

The overall assessment from the Icelandic Met Office is that there is still a likelihood of a volcanic eruption. A submarine eruption, which might cause flight disruptions, has not been ruled out but the probability is considered low.

Can I fly my drone over the closed area?

No, due to a possible volcanic eruption near the town of Grindavík, the Icelandic Transport Authorities have issued a ban on drone flights in the vicinity of the town. This is so airspace remains undisturbed for helicopters and rescue crews.

The coordinates of the prohibited area are as follows:

635621N0222218W
635440N0221323W
634641N0222232W
634902N0223533W

The ban does not affect drone flights run by the National Police Commissioner´s Office, The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management or The Icelandic Coast Guard. The ban has already come into effect and will be valid until midnight on November 29th, 2023.

See news updates on the Icelandic Transport Authorities website.