Mount Etna Eruption Grounds Flights at Catania Airport Until Tuesday Evening

Catania Airport, a major travel hub on the island of Sicily, has ceased all flight operations due to significant ashfall from the eruption of Mount Etna. The airport announced that flights would remain suspended until at least 8:00 PM local time on Tuesday.

Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, commenced its latest eruptive phase on Sunday, spewing ash and incandescent material. The ash cloud has drifted across the region, impacting visibility and air quality, leading authorities to close the airport as a precautionary measure.

Local residents in several towns on Etna's slopes, including Milo and Zafferana Etnea, reported hearing loud roars and experiencing falling ash and lapilli, small volcanic stones. While the eruption has caused travel disruption, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or significant property damage.

This is not the first instance of Etna's activity affecting Catania Airport; similar closures have occurred repeatedly over previous years due to volcanic ash interfering with aircraft engines and runway conditions.