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A volcanic eruption started around 7:30 PM on 21 May 2011 in Grímsvötn underneath the Vatnajökull glacier in Iceland. Grímsvötn is a very active volcanic area and has erupted five times since 1983. The last eruption was in 2004. These eruptions have in the past not resulted in wide-ranging flight disturbances.

The plume reached 20 km in height and Keflavík airport has been closed, with no flights arriving or departing Iceland for the day.

However, there are no indicators yet that there will be more disruption to flights beyond local disturbances.

According to geophysicists from the University of Iceland, the ash particles from the eruption are coarse, and not likely to stay airborne for long. Furthermore, the eruption is already showing signs of decreased intensity. British Meteorological Office (Met Office) also predicts the ashcloud will not reach Europe.

Civil Protection agencies are closely monitoring the situation, but as of now, have decided against evacuation from the volcanic area. For safety reasons, roads have been closed to the area and people are advised to remain inside as much as possible, and wear masks if they need to go outside.

A flood will often follow an eruption in this area, usually some 10-12 hours after the start of the eruption, as the area of activity is beneath a glacial icecap. Ice melts and makes it way towards shore. Scientists predict that there will be limited flooding this time, as water levels were low in the area to begin with.

The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management follows the situation closely.

There are regular updates on the volcanic eruption at Inspired by Iceland on facebook.com/inspiredbyiceland and twitter.com/icelandinspired.

Updates on flight schedules:
Icelandair
Iceland Express
Air Iceland