Almost two weeks after earthquakes signalled potential activity from Iceland's Bardarbunga volcano, visible evidence of an eruption has appeared in an area between Bardarbunga and the nearby Askja volcanic system.
In a statement, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said: "An eruption started in Holuhraun, north of Dyngjujökull [an outlet glacier on the north end of the larger Vatna glacier] at around 00:02 am. It is a small fissure eruption and at 2:40 a.m. the activity appears to have decreased."
A triangular section of airspace over the eruption site has been closed, but the country's airports remain open.
Icelandair press secretary Guðjón Arngrímsson said: "We don't see this having any effect on our flights. At most there will be minor changes. This should not disturb international flights.”
Icelandic volcano erupts but poses minimal threat to aviation
