Iceland – Seismic Activity

Airlines are on high alert over ash cloud fears from Icelandic’s Bardarbunga volcano that could force flight cancellations across the North Atlantic, the busiest international travel market. The aviation alert level of Iceland’s Bardarbunga volcano remains at orange. Increased seismic activity has continued at approximately the same rate since multiple minor tremors, or earthquake swarms, first began early Aug. 16. Although elevated seismic activity suggests that the potential for a volcanic eruption is elevated, there are currently no signs an eruption is imminent. The heightened alert status does not affect air travel, but only indicates an increased potential for disruption. There are currently too many variables to predict the possible impact an eruption might have on air travel, for example the size of the potential eruption, height of an ensuing ash plume, and positioning of upper air currents.