Etna eruption disrupts flights at Catania airport
Volcanic ash forced temporary airspace closures and diverted flights from Catania to other Sicilian airports.
An eruption of Mount Etna in Sicily disrupted operations at Catania airport, forcing flight cancellations and diversions after volcanic ash entered the atmosphere.
Portions of the local airspace were temporarily closed because of ash, and incoming flights scheduled to land in Catania were redirected to other airports on Sicily.
Arrivals diverted, some departures canceled
The rerouting of arrivals led airlines to cancel a number of departures as well, leaving many passengers stranded at the airport while carriers adjusted schedules and ground operations.
The Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology reported that "intense explosive activity continued in the Voragine crater." Authorities monitored ash dispersion and aviation safety as the situation evolved.
Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe and one of Sicily's best-known tourist attractions. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for updates and travel changes.
Photo: press material from the event
