Italy’s Catania Airport Shuts as Mount Etna Ash Disrupts Flights

Flights at Italy’s Catania airport were suspended on Saturday after volcanic ash from Mount Etna’s ongoing activity, along with weather conditions, disrupted operations, according to the company operating the Sicilian airport. All arrivals have been suspended until 1000 GMT on Sunday.

Catania airport is Italy’s fifth-busiest by passenger traffic and frequently faces disruptions caused by Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. The latest closure comes during the peak holiday season, when the airport is handling large numbers of travellers.

Volcanic ash from Etna has been particularly intense this summer, causing repeated flight disruptions and affecting thousands of passengers. Authorities and airport operators continue to monitor the volcanic activity and conditions before determining when normal flight operations can resume.

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