World · Malaysia Bureau
Mount Etna ash forces closure of Italy's Catania airport
Italy's fifth-busiest airport has suspended all incoming flights due to volcanic ash from Mount Etna, with operations expected to resume later in the afternoon. The disruption underscores the ongoing aviation challenges posed by the active volcano in Sicily.
LSN Malaysia ·
Catania Airport in Sicily halted all arrival operations on Tuesday as volcanic ash from Mount Etna blanketed the region, forcing authorities to ground incoming flights until at least 4pm local time. The airport, which ranks as Italy's fifth-busiest hub, implemented the suspension as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger and aircraft safety amid poor visibility conditions caused by the eruption.
Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, periodically disrupts air traffic in the region with ash clouds that can reduce visibility and pose risks to aircraft engines. The volcano's activity has led to periodic flight suspensions at Catania Airport in recent years, with authorities maintaining strict safety protocols during volcanic events.
Airlines and passengers using the airport were advised of the temporary closure, with services expected to resume once visibility improved and ash levels subsided. The airport authority did not immediately provide details on the number of flights affected or expected delays.