Etna Eruption Halts Flights in Sicily

The suspension of incoming flights at the airport in Catania, Sicily, has been extended until 4:00 p.m. Initially, it was expected that incoming flights would resume around noon, according to the ANSA news agency. The reason for the ongoing suspension of air traffic is the eruption of the nearby Mount Etna volcano.

The decision to extend this restriction was made by the crisis management team of SAC, the company that manages the airports in Catania and Comiso.

The volcanic activity released a massive volcanic cloud and thick ash into the atmosphere, which, for safety reasons, necessitated the complete closure of airspace corresponding to the cloud's southwesterly trajectory.

Airport officials also clarified that the restriction applies exclusively to incoming flights. There are currently no special restrictions in place for departures operated directly from the Catania airport.

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