Flights to and from the eastern Sicilian city of Catania were halted on Tuesday following an eruption from the nearby Mount Etna, according to the airport operator. This suspension brings further travel disruptions during the peak summer tourist season.
Mount Etna’s Intense Activity
Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, has experienced intense activity in recent days, spewing hot ash and lava. The airport in Catania, which serves as a major hub for eastern Sicily and attracts more arrivals than the capital Palermo, had already been closed earlier this month due to volcanic ash in the sky.
Airport Closure and Travel Impact
Authorities decided to suspend all incoming and outgoing flights at Catania airport. The airport operator’s statement indicated that the suspension would lead to cancellations and rerouting to other airports. Normal operations will resume once the ash fallout subsides.
This latest disruption underscores the challenges faced by travelers and authorities alike in managing the impact of natural events on critical infrastructure during a busy travel period.