Catania Airport, Sicily’s largest airport, has suspended all landings until Monday at 15:00 GMT (18:00 local time) due to volcanic ash from a recent eruption of Mount Etna, according to the operator SAC, as reported by Reuters.
Mount Etna, which towers over Sicily’s eastern coastline, is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and frequently disrupts air traffic at Catania, the island’s main airport and Italy’s fifth-busiest in terms of passenger traffic.
“Given the significant impact on operations, passengers are advised to check their flight status with the airline before heading to the airport,” SAC stated in a release on Monday.
The situation is being continuously monitored, with updates provided based on the volcanic activity and weather conditions.
Volcanic Eruptions Above 2,000 Meters in Sicily
The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) has indicated that the latest eruptive phase of Mount Etna continues through vents located at altitudes of 2,750 meters and 2,360 meters, generating multiple lava flows and creating extensive lava fields.
Mount Etna is the highest volcano in Europe.
The aviation advisory from the INGV’s Volcanological Observatory remains at red, the highest alert level, indicating ongoing dangers for aircraft due to volcanic ash emissions.
