Colleges’ trip to Iceland going ahead despite volcanic activity

About 30 students from The Ladies’ College and Elizabeth College will set off on the first leg of their journey, flying to Gatwick early tomorrow morning.

Their onwards flight to Reykjavik is planned for later in the day.

But the half-term educational trip has coincided with the latest eruptions by the Sundhnukagigarodin volcano near Grindavik, with a third eruption starting yesterday morning.

The colleges have issued a joint statement to say they were monitoring the situation, but planned for the trip to go ahead.

‘While at this stage it is unclear if there will be further eruptions, volcanologists are advising that any continued activity is highly unlikely to impact travellers visiting Iceland,’ they said.

‘At the time of writing, there is no disruption to flights, the airport is fully operational, and the majority of Iceland remains unaffected and safe to visit.

'The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority and we will work with our tour company and the Icelandic authorities, as well as monitoring the latest Foreign Office advice, to ensure that any necessary amendments to the group’s itinerary are made.’

The students, who are between 15 and 17 years old, are set to fly into the airport near Reykjavik, which is about 25 miles from the volcanic site.

About 3,800 people have been evacuated due to the seismic activity, which started in November.

The students' six-day itinerary includes trips to lagoons, glaciers, volcano exhibitions, snorkelling and viewing the northern lights.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has advised that all roads to Grindavik and the surrounding area are closed and people should stay away from this area.

Keflavik International Airport and the road to it are unaffected. Reykjavik and the rest of Iceland are not impacted by the eruptions.

Further eruptions are expected.