Iceland’s Grindavík evacuated as Sundhnúkagígar volcano erupts again, disrupting travel and luxury resort operations
Business travel plans to Iceland have once again been disrupted following an early morning eruption of the Sundhnúkagígar volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The Icelandic Meteorological Office confirmed that the fissure eruption began today, marking the ninth volcanic event in the region since December 2023.
The eruption forced evacuations from the fishing town of Grindavík, as well as the surrounding area including a campsite and the Blue Lagoon Iceland — a premier five-star resort popular with affluent leisure and business travellers. Authorities have issued warnings about toxic gas emissions drifting towards nearby towns, including Vogar and Reykjanesbær, with residents urged to monitor air quality levels via the national meteorological website.
Geophysical assessments indicate the eruption is currently limited in scope, with the fissure estimated between 700 and 1000 metres wide. Lava flow is concentrated towards the southeast and, while Grindavík is not under direct threat from the molten rock, travel routes such as Grindavíkurvegur could be impacted depending on lava behaviour.
Officials are closely monitoring seismic activity, which remains stable for now. Benedikt Ófeigsson, Head of Deformation Measurements at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, has advised calm but vigilance: “This is not a major event at the moment… nothing extreme, it hasn’t been particularly increasing.”
Known for its rugged landscape and geothermal activity, Iceland’s appeal to high-net-worth travellers includes volcano tourism — an industry shaped by the very natural volatility currently unfolding. While thrill-seekers may still be drawn to the spectacle, business travellers are advised to confirm arrangements and stay abreast of evolving travel advisories and environmental conditions.