Mount Etna eruption and volcanic ash shut Sicily’s busiest airport

Mount Etna's ongoing eruption has forced the closure of Sicily's busiest airport, Vincenzo Bellini Airport in Catania. Volcanic ash has caused significant disruption, leading to flight suspensions until at least Saturday afternoon. Hundreds of travelers are stranded, with over a third of flights cancelled and many others diverted in the past week. This is the most severe disruption the airport has experienced in over two decades, impacting passengers traveling to and from Europe and even North Africa. Authorities are working to re-route passengers, with approximately 300 waiting for alternative arrangements on Thursday evening.

Mount Etna's persistent ash emissions have caused Catania's airport, Sicily's largest, to close for a fifth consecutive day, stranding hundreds of summer travelers during a peak holiday week. The airport is expected to remain shut until early Saturday, coinciding with the Ferragosto holiday. This prolonged closure, the longest since 2002, is due to the significant risk volcanic ash poses to aircraft engines. The persistent ash emission from Etna's summit is unusual, with northerly winds spreading ash to Malta and northern Africa. The disruption has led to flight rerouting, increased travel costs, and a consumer association complaint about price gouging.

Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, has been erupting for days, spewing ash and lava. This spectacular activity has attracted a surge of tourists, prompting concern from local guides. The eruptions have led to the closure of Catania airport, a major tourist hub for Sicily. Companies offering nighttime hikes to view the lava flows are experiencing a significant increase in bookings, with one guide reporting triple the usual daily requests. Guides describe the phenomenon as a "touristic eruption" that draws people due to its observable beauty and relative safety.