A volcano erupted on Iceland‘s Reykjanes Peninsula following more minor earthquakes. The eruption started around 10:17 pm, about 4km northeast of Grindavik, with magma visible along a hill’s ridge.

The eruption’s intensity lessened by early Tuesday, per the Icelandic Met Office, but its duration remains uncertain. Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, a scientist who surveyed the site, mentioned it could end soon or persist for a while.

Keflavik International Airport remains open despite its proximity (20 km) to the eruption, but the road between the airport and Grindavik is closed.

In November, Iceland declared a state of emergency due to numerous small earthquakes in the Reykjanes Peninsula, the country’s most densely populated area. Concerns about a potential eruption prompted the evacuation of 4,000 residents, who were briefly permitted to return solely to gather their belongings.

As the eruption happened on Monday night, few individuals were close to the site, leading authorities to caution everyone to avoid the area.

Vidir Reynisson from Iceland’s Civil Protection and Emergency Management emphasized the danger, advising people to refrain from viewing it as a tourist spot and to observe from a significant distance.

The eruptive fissure stretches about 4km east of Stóra-Skógfell to the east of Sundhnúk.

Despite warnings, the spectacle draws interest, with a tourist describing it as resembling a scene from a movie. Local reactions vary; a French tour guide in Iceland expressed awe at the sight yet noted mixed emotions, acknowledging the potential threat to the nearby town.

The ongoing eruption has sparked concerns about travel disruptions due to potential ash impact on flights. Iceland’s aviation alert is raised to orange, signifying minor ash emissions.

Flights to Keflavik International Airport are unaffected, with no cancellations or significant delays reported by Icelandair and Play. Airlines promise direct updates to passengers if this changes, advising travelers to monitor messages closely.

Roads to Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon are closed for evaluation amidst the situation.