Persistent ash from Mount Etna has forced the temporary closure of Catania Airport in Sicily, disrupting air travel during one of the busiest holiday periods of the year.
The volcanic ash has affected operations at the airport, with authorities restricting flights as a safety precaution. The disruption is expected to affect thousands of passengers travelling to and from eastern Sicily during the peak holiday week.
Mount Etna, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, regularly produces ash and volcanic activity that can interfere with aviation. Volcanic ash poses a significant risk to aircraft engines and other critical systems, making airport closures necessary when ash clouds move into flight paths or settle near runways.
Airport authorities and aviation officials are monitoring the situation closely and will determine when flights can safely resume based on volcanic activity and prevailing conditions.
Airlines operating through Catania have warned passengers to check their flight status before travelling to the airport, as cancellations, delays and schedule changes may continue while the ash threat persists.
The disruption comes at a particularly difficult time for travellers, with Sicily experiencing heavy tourist traffic during the summer holiday season. Catania Airport is a major gateway to eastern Sicily and serves visitors travelling to popular destinations across the region.
Authorities have stressed that the restrictions are precautionary and necessary to protect passenger and crew safety.
Travellers affected by the disruption are being advised to contact their airlines for information about rebooking and alternative travel arrangements.
As Mount Etna remains active, aviation officials will continue assessing the volcanic ash situation before allowing normal airport operations to fully resume.
Swifteradio.com