Mount Etna eruption halts flights at Sicily’s main airport

An eruption of Mount Etna has disrupted air travel on the Italian island of Sicily, prompting the suspension of incoming flights at the island’s main gateway, Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, according to Bild.

Airport authorities said airspace had been closed in areas affected by a spreading ash cloud. The airport lies approximately 45 kilometres from the volcano’s crater, making it particularly vulnerable to volcanic fallout.

The restrictions on arrivals were initially expected to remain in place until at least 12:00 local time, while departures were scheduled to continue operating. To assist passengers affected by the disruption, Trenitalia arranged additional rail services.

Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) said the eruption involved lava flows from Etna’s Voragine crater and was accompanied by heightened volcanic tremors. The aviation alert level was raised to the maximum “red” status.

By Tamilla Hasanova