Thrill-seekers hunting out adventure on volcano holidays

Volcano holidays proving a real blast.

When faced with an erupting volcano, most people would run a mile.

But thrill-seeking holidaymakers now have a chance to head towards the danger thanks to a new craze.

Volcano breaks let you visit countries like Iceland, Japan and Hawaii, where you can get a closer look at the geological spectacles.

In recent weeks, experts have warned that the Icelandic volcano Bardarbunga is due to erupt and locals were evacuated.

But despite a warning that the ash coming from the eruptions may ground flights, several tour companies are offering a closer look.

One, called Discover the World, flies a four-seater aircraft only 150 metres above Bardarbunga.

Passengers pay nearly £800 for the privilege of seeing for themselves the lava flow coming from the volcano. Discover the World say the journey is safe.

“In short, old flight rules no longer apply and new technologies now allow airlines to safely fly even when there are certain concentrations of ash in the sky,” said a spokesman.

“Scientists have improved the model for estimating concentrations of ash in the atmosphere, meaning there is a better understanding of areas to avoid.”

Meanwhile, a Reykjavk-based helicopter tour company has launched sightseeing tours of the volcanic eruption in Holuhraun from the air.

The tour, which gives passengers a close-up look of the superheated lava, costs around £1,800.

Four years ago, the unpronounceable volcano Eyjafjallajoekull erupted in Iceland, producing a giant cloud of ash that severely disrupted air travel, costing airlines millions of pounds in lost business.

More than 100,000 flights were cancelled due to the eruption and 10 million people were left stranded after aviation officials were forced to close Europe’s air space for five days due to fears the ash could harm jet engines.