Recent eruptions from Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano, have resulted in the partial closure of airspace over Sicily, Italy, affecting operations at Catania Airport, according to reports from EFE.
The airport management company (SAC) announced that due to volcanic activity and ash emissions, airspace over the ash cloud south of the volcano (sector B2) has been closed. This measure, initially scheduled to last until 7:00 PM local time (5:00 PM GMT), entails the suspension of all flights to Catania, although the airport continues to allow departures for aircraft already on the ground.
Ash emissions began around 5:45 AM GMT on Sunday and intensified by 6:45 AM GMT, producing an ash column approximately 1.5 kilometers high, blown southward by the wind, as reported by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).
Scientists indicate that forecast models based on meteorological data predict the ash dispersion will continue southward in the coming hours. In light of this situation, SAC has urged passengers to check with airlines regarding their flights before heading to the airport.
Mount Etna began a new eruptive phase on June 26, characterized by lava emissions, prompting Italian authorities to raise the alert level. On Sunday, INGV noted that lava flows, first observed at the end of June, had completely ceased by July 4. However, this sudden ash emission has disrupted travel plans for thousands.
Additionally, a second small lava flow was detected during the night of July 2-3, advancing just over 100 meters before stopping.
