About 125,000 travelled to Iceland for total eclipse

About 75,000 people arrived in Iceland by air and another 53,000 by cruise ship around this week’s total solar eclipse, according to mbl.is.

Avians said preparations began early in the year, when it became clear that the eclipse would create additional pressure. Work focused on public information and preparations to ensure aviation safety and the flow of information among airlines and service providers.

Readiness at the air traffic control centre was increased around the eclipse. Seventeen air traffic controllers, three flight data analysts and a senior duty officer were on shift.

According to Avians’ operations manager, 11 private jets flew west from Reykjavík and Keflavík airports while the eclipse was taking place, hoping to secure the best possible view.

The preparations proved necessary, as considerable pressure developed before and during the eclipse. The workload increased further after it ended, but Avians said the preparations had worked well.

A helicopter was also sought after an alert from an emergency beacon. Further checks showed that the helicopter was on the ground and that no one was in danger.