Ash from Etna forces Catania airport to stay closed through Saturday
Flights at Sicily's Catania airport will remain halted until early Saturday due to volcanic ash from Mount Etna, airport operator SAC announced.
Mount Etna's current eruptive phase has deposited ash over Catania airport, prompting the airport operator SAC to extend the suspension of all arrivals until 2 a.m. local time on Saturday. The ash cloud has already caused hundreds of flights to be cancelled or rerouted in the past week. Passengers are advised to check with their carriers for the latest flight information before attempting to travel to the hub.
The closure occurs at the height of the summer holiday season, affecting thousands of travelers and increasing pressure on alternative airports across Sicily. Etna, the most active volcano in Europe, has a history of disrupting operations at the island's fifth-busiest airport. The operator is also in the process of selling a controlling stake of at least 51% that was launched in May.
Why it matters
The ash-driven shutdown disrupts summer travel for thousands and adds pressure on Sicily's other airports.
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