All flights at Catania International Airport have been halted until 22:00 (20:00 GMT) on Tuesday, after volcanic ash from Mount Etna prompted a red aviation alert. Airport officials said arrivals and departures, first stopped on Monday, will remain suspended while authorities monitor ongoing activity at the volcano.
The closure affects Italy's fifth-busiest airport by passenger traffic. Catania typically handles about 12 million travellers a year, and the suspension is the second time in recent months that operations there have been interrupted by emissions from Etna. The airport was closed for almost a week during last month's peak summer season after renewed volcanic activity.
The INGV Etneo Observatory issued the red aviation alert on Monday as ash plumes rose from Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano. The mountain stands at 3,324 metres (10,906ft) and sits roughly 40km (25 miles) from the airport. Authorities advised passengers scheduled to fly from Catania to confirm arrangements with their airlines before travelling to the terminal.
Local debate over the airport’s location has resurfaced, with calls for a permanent shutdown of Catania and investment in other Sicilian facilities because of its proximity to Etna. Those calls follow repeated disruptions that have forced airlines to alter schedules and travellers to change plans.
Despite the interruptions to air traffic, Etna continues to attract visitors. August’s eruption drew crowds to view lava flows, and about 1.5 million people visit the volcano each year. Airport officials said they will issue further updates on services as the situation develops.
Passengers and carriers now face immediate schedule disruption while authorities assess whether the suspension will be extended beyond Tuesday night. The airport has not set a timetable for resuming normal operations and will publish more information as conditions evolve.
