Flights arriving at Catania airport in eastern Sicily were temporarily halted until 1500 GMT on Monday due to volcanic ash from a new eruption of Mount Etna, according to the airport operator SAC. The ash cloud disrupted air traffic around the airport, which is Sicily’s main hub and Italy’s fifth busiest by passenger numbers.
Mount Etna, located on the east coast of the island, is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Its frequent eruptions often lead to flight disruptions, particularly affecting Catania’s operations. The latest event marks another instance of the volcano’s impact on regional aviation.
The suspension of arrivals was a precautionary measure to ensure safety, as volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines. Authorities monitored the situation closely, with updates expected as conditions evolved. The event highlights the ongoing challenges posed by Etna’s activity to local transportation networks.
