Catania Airport Suspends Arrivals as Mount Etna Erupts

Catania Airport in Sicily temporarily suspended incoming flights on Monday after volcanic ash from a renewed eruption of Mount Etna entered the surrounding airspace.

Airport operator SAC said the restriction would remain in effect until at least 5:00 p.m. CEST, while departures from the airport were still permitted. Passengers were advised to check their flight status with their airline before traveling to the airport.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation, with any further restrictions dependent on volcanic activity and weather conditions.

According to Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the eruption is continuing from vents at elevations of about 2,750 and 2,360 m. Several lava flows are feeding expanding lava fields.

The INGV has maintained its highest, red aviation alert. Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, frequently disrupts operations at Catania Airport because volcanic ash poses a serious hazard to aircraft.

(Reuters, EST)