Italy's Catania airport closed until July 19 following major fire

Flights in Italy's east coast city Catania have been suspended until Wednesday afternoon due to a fire at its main airport, local media reported on July 17.

The fire began overnight at Catania's Vincenzo Bellini International Airport and was quickly put out by firefighters, according to Anadolu Agency.

The Italian fire department Vigili del Fuoco said on Twitter that the firefighters arrived and extinguished the flames at 5.40 a.m. (0340GMT).

"The airport was closed to passenger traffic," it added.

The airport's management announced on Twitter on Monday morning that flights would remain suspended until July 19, 2.00 p.m. (1200GMT).

Some incoming flights are being diverted to other airports in Sicily such as Palermo, Trapani, and Comiso.

Comiso airport is a two-hour drive from Catania airport; both are on the east of the island. Whereas Palermo and Trapani are on the west of the island therefore four-five hours drive from Catania.

Public transport, even between cities, is limited in Sicily.

It is not yet clear whether passengers will receive compensation or help with unexpected costs.