Catania Airport was closed after Mount Etna emitted a large ash plume, suspending all take-offs and landings until 12 noon (1000 GMT) on Sunday. An overnight thunderstorm added to the disruption. The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology says the ash cloud rose to about 4 kilometres, and a red aviation alert remains in force. Passengers should check with airlines for updates and rebooking.
Mount Etna Ash Cloud Grounds Flights: Catania Airport Closed Amid Red Alert
FILE PHOTO - Smoke rises from a crater of the Mount Etna volcano during an eruption. (is associated with: «Mount Etna volcanic ash cloud brings Sicilian airport to a standstill») Michele Cutuli/AGF via ZUMA Press/dpa
Catania Airport in Sicily was temporarily closed to all air traffic after Mount Etna released a large plume of volcanic ash, the airport operator said.
All take-offs and landings have been suspended until 12 noon (1000 GMT) on Sunday; the operator had previously announced a shorter closure until 4pm on Saturday. A violent thunderstorm overnight compounded the disruption to flight schedules.
Mount Etna — the most active volcano in Europe — is ejecting ash from its north-eastern crater, with winds carrying the ash cloud southwards. The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported the ash column reached about 4 kilometres into the atmosphere.
Safety Alert: A red aviation alert, the highest of four warning levels, is in effect for the area because volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines and reduce visibility. The same alert level was issued last week and in August during heightened activity.
What Travelers Should Do: Passengers due to travel via Catania Airport should check directly with their airlines for flight status, rebooking options or refunds, and expect delays. Local transport and airport services may also be affected until authorities lift restrictions.
Monitoring: INGV and airport authorities continue to monitor Etna's activity and will update the status of operations as conditions evolve.
Help us improve.
