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Thursday, 23 November 2023 INTERNATIONAL 5
Iceland’s Volcano Threatens Travel Disruptions
Across Europe in the Coming Weeks
ICELAND is on high alert as the Fagradalsfjall volcano, the pattern, impacting parts of northern and central Europe.
located near the fishing town of Grindavík, shows clear The potential consequences extend beyond travel, as the
signs of an imminent eruption. The Icelandic Meteorological economy and air quality in Reykjavik, located 31 miles north-
Office has expanded the “danger zone” due to ground uplift west of the volcano, could be affected.
caused by rising magma in Svartsengi, a landscape known
for its geothermal power plant and the famous Blue Lagoon. The Icelandic tourism authority emphasizes the unpredict-
ability of volcanic eruptions, citing the ongoing seismic
AccuWeather meteorologists warn of potential air travel activity in the Southwest region. While 46 volcanoes world-
disruptions in the coming weeks, with the exact impact wide are currently erupting without major disruptions to air
contingent on the timing of the eruption. The upper-level traffic, Iceland remains vigilant.
wind pattern, especially later in the week, could direct ash
toward northern and central Europe, potentially affecting Iceland Air, the country’s flagship airline, reassures trav-
airspaces and posing a threat to the global economy. elers that seismic activity has not affected flights to or from
Iceland. The airline is closely monitoring the situation in
The aviation industry vividly remembers the repercussions coordination with Icelandic authorities.
of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, which led to 100,000
flight cancellations, affecting 7 million passengers and As the world watches and waits, the looming threat of a
causing a $4.7 billion reduction in worldwide GDP, including volcanic eruption serves as a reminder of the delicate balance
significant revenue losses for the airline sector. between natural forces and the intricate web of global travel
Jonathan Porter, Chief Meteorologist at AccuWeather, notes and economic systems. The potential consequences under-
that the upper-level winds could initially direct ash toward score the need for preparedness and contingency planning
Scandinavia, but changes later in the week may reconfigure in the face of unpredictable geological events.
