Iceland’s Meteorological Office (IMO) issued an advisory on 13 July warning that magma accumulation at the Svartsengi system on the Reykjanes Peninsula has reached thresholds associated with previous eruptions. The statement notes that an eruption on the Sundhnúkur crater row could begin with as little as 20 minutes to four hours of seismic warning.
What the IMO Said
The IMO advisory states that ground deformation and GPS measurements at Svartsengi show magma volumes consistent with the levels recorded immediately before the January 2024, February 2024, May 2024, and subsequent eruptions in the recent sequence. Each previous eruption was preceded by a period of elevated seismicity that provided some warning, but the interval between onset of tremor and actual eruption has varied significantly - sometimes hours, sometimes less.
The Sundhnúkur crater row is the fissure system that has produced the recent sequence of eruptions. It runs roughly north-east from Svartsengi toward Grindavík.
Current Status and Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, which lies within the risk zone and was evacuated during previous eruption events, is currently open. The facility has an established closure protocol tied to IMO warning levels and is able to evacuate visitors within its operational window. However, the advisory means the risk of closure on short notice is real. If a Blue Lagoon visit is the centrepiece of your trip, this is worth knowing before you travel to Reykjanes.
The town of Grindavík, which was partially evacuated and damaged during the 2024 eruption sequence, remains in a cautionary zone.
Effect on Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) sits north of the active fissure zone and is not currently assessed as at direct risk. The airport remained operational through the entire 2024–2025 eruption sequence, including events that produced significant lava flows. Previous eruptions in this sequence have not sent ash clouds to altitudes that affect flight operations - the lavas have been effusive (flowing) rather than explosive (ash-producing).
Reykjavík is approximately 50 kilometres from the active zone and has not been affected by the eruptions.
Advice for Visitors
- If you are visiting or driving through the Reykjanes Peninsula, monitor the IMO website (en.vedur.is) for status updates
- Follow any police or civil protection closure orders immediately - access to lava viewing areas is controlled
- Keep your travel itinerary flexible if you have bookings at Blue Lagoon or Grindavík-area accommodation
- Travel insurance: check that your policy covers natural disaster disruption, including volcanic activity
For general safety and preparation information, see our is Iceland safe guide.