Iceland volcano eruption easing, air travel unaffected

REYKJANES PENINSULA: The eruption of a long-dormant volcano that sent streams of lava flowing across a small valley in southwestern Iceland does not interfere with air travel, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said Saturday.

The fissure eruption began at around 8:45 p.m. Friday in the Geldinga Valley, about 32 kilometers (20 miles) southwest of the capital, Reykjavik.

Halldor Björnsson, group leader of weather and climate research at the Iceland Meteorological Office, said the eruption was “minor” and there were no signs of ash or dust that could disrupt aviation.

This southwestern corner of Iceland is the most heavily populated part of the country.

The Department of Emergency Management said it doesn’t anticipate evacuations, unless levels of volcanic gases rise significantly.

Keflavik Airport, Iceland’s international air traffic hub, said flights have remained on schedule since the eruption began.

The Geldinga Valley eruption is the first on the Reykjanes Peninsula in almost 800 years.

The area began rumbling with increased seismic activity 15 months ago, and the tremors increased dramatically last month.

Scientists flew over the Geldinga Valley eruption on Saturday morning and estimated the eruptive fissure was about 500 meters long (1,640 feet.)

The two streams of lava were about 2.5 kilometers from the nearest road.