Flights have been cancelled at one of Sicily’s main airports after Mount Etna erupted earlier this week, sparking holiday chaos for many. Around 700 flights were cancelled at Catania Airport between August 8 and 11 as volcanic ash from the eruption disrupted operations. The problems are continuing today (August 12), with a further 52 departing flights expected to be cancelled, according to airport operator SAC.
More than 250 flights have also been diverted to other airports since the disruption began. More than 100 were redirected to Comiso, while around 50 were sent to Palermo yesterday alone and another 22 to Trapani. All arrivals and departures at Catania have now been suspended until 4pm tomorrow as restrictions on nearby airspace remain in place.
SAC said: “Due to Mount Etna’s eruptive activity and the associated release of volcanic ash into the atmosphere, the closure of the areas corresponding to the southwest air cloud (sector C1) and the closure of sector B3 have been extended.”
It added: “All flight operations departing from and arriving at Catania airport are suspended until 4:00 PM tomorrow.”
Passengers have also been urged to check the status of their flights with airlines before travelling to the airport.
Comiso Airport, in the Ragusa area, has since returned to full operation after flights there were also suspended due to volcanic ash from Mount Etna.
The disruption has prompted Italy’s Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci to raise concerns over Catania Airport’s proximity to the volcano.
He said: “What is happening at the Catania and Comiso airports, with cancellations, delays, and severe disruption for thousands of residents and tourists in the height of the summer season, is reviving a problem that Sicily has long been aware of.”
Mr Musumeci said “it’s not the volcano that’s out of place,” but the airport, adding that he had previously highlighted the site’s vulnerability due to its proximity to Mount Etna in 1999.
Catania is Sicily’s busiest airport and the fifth busiest in Italy. Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, regularly causes disruption to flights serving the airport.
