Mid-Ocean Ridges (MORs) are the primary sites of Earth's magma production, with volcano-tectonic events resulting from interactions between magma and tectonic structures. These processes influence eruption locations and hazard assessments. Classical models assume a homogeneous crust, neglecting pre-existing fractures that affect magma pathways. This study integrates field observations and analogue modelling to address this gap, focusing on Iceland’s active rift zone, considered a subaerial segment of a MOR. Findings from fieldwork in the Northern Volcanic Zone and during the 2021 Reykjanes rifting episode highlight how rifting episodes predominantly involve the reactivation of existing faults rather than the creation of new ones. Analogue experiments confirm dike ascent aligns with fractures, emphasizing the role of structural reactivation in magma migration. These insights enhance our understanding of MORs, providing insights into submarine regions, where direct observations are scarce, offering a broader perspective on global divergent plate boundaries.