A process for the production of sulphuric acid from a sulphur dioxide containing feed gas with concentration of SO2 fluctuating between 0 and 100 mole % SO2 comprising the steps of contacting the feed gas with an aqueous solution comprising 0–50% by weight H2SO4 at a temperature between the freezing point of said aqueous solution and 80° C.; and during the contact of the feed gas with the aqueous solution absorbing at least a part of SO2 in the feed gas in the aqueous solution or desorbing at least a part of SO2 from the aqueous solution, wherein the at least a part of SO2 is desorbed by stripping the aqueous solution with the feed gas and passing at least part of the thus treated feed gas to a sulphuric acid plant.