Iceland volcano: Bardarbunga eruption sparks red alert

Iceland has issued a red alert to the aviation industry for the Bardarbunga volcano, meaning significant ash emissions are likely.

The Icelandic Met Office has warned that a small eruption under an ice cap has begun at Bardarbunga.

The air space over the site has been closed, but all Icelandic airports currently remain open, authorities say.

Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted in 2010, producing an ash cloud that severely disrupted air travel.

The red alert is the highest warning on the country's five-point scale.

Flooding threat
The Icelandic Met Office said a team of scientists was flying across the region on Saturday afternoon to monitor seismic activity.

"The eruption is considered a minor event at this point," police said in a statement.

"Because of pressure from the glacier cap, it is uncertain whether the eruption will stay sub-glacial or not."