Sicilian Airport Closed Due to Etna Volcano Eruption: ‘Don’t come to the airport’
Sicilian Airport Closed After Mount Etna Eruption: Travelers Urged to Avoid Airport
Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano, has once again erupted, sending massive clouds of ash and volcanic gases up to 9,500 meters into the sky.
Read More: New Island Emerges after Undersea Volcano Erupts off Japan
The eruption has resulted in extensive ash coverage over the entire airport, including planes and runways, rendering them unusable.
Due to these conditions, Catania Airport has advised travelers to avoid coming to the airport until further notice.
In addition to the airport closure, several roads in the surrounding area are also covered in ash, making travel even more challenging. This marks the second time this month that air traffic has been disrupted by an Etna eruption.
Catania Airport: Advice for Passengers
Passengers planning to fly from or to Catania Airport are strongly advised to check the status of their flights with their respective airlines before leaving home.
The most reliable sources for updates include the airline’s official apps, websites, and social media channels.
Additionally, keep an eye on the email associated with your booking, as airlines or booking platforms may send notifications regarding flight changes.
While official numbers have not yet been released, the airport’s departure boards indicate that all flights scheduled before 6 PM are canceled, with those scheduled for after 6 PM facing unspecified delays.
A limited number of arrivals are being diverted to other airports in Sicily. More details below.
Are Catania Flights Being Diverted? Will Transfers Be Provided?
Yes, some flights are being diverted to Comiso and Palermo airports. Given Sicily’s size—it’s the largest island in the Mediterranean, twice the size of Cyprus—this could mean significant travel times.
Driving from Palermo in the northwest to Catania in the east takes about three hours. Comiso Airport, located on the eastern side of the island, is a one-to-two-hour drive from Catania.
Currently, selected Ryanair flights from Budapest, Brussels, Cagliari, Rome, and London are being diverted to Palermo, while an Aeroitalia flight from Rome has been rerouted to Comiso.
The status of other arrivals remains pending, and passengers are encouraged to stay updated.
In past disruptions, airports or airlines have provided free coach transfers for passengers to their intended airport. However, details on such arrangements may only become available upon arrival at the diverted airport.
Can Passengers Claim Compensation?
Under European Union regulations, airlines are required to offer an alternative flight or a refund if your flight is canceled or delayed by more than three hours—provided the disruption was within their control.
However, in the case of a natural event like a volcanic eruption, airlines are not typically held accountable.
Nevertheless, most airlines will make every effort to ensure passengers reach their final destination. It’s also advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance, as this may cover any unexpected expenses incurred due to delays.
Is It Safe to Travel to Sicily?
Yes, despite the ongoing eruption, it is still safe to travel to Sicily. Although the island is experiencing an ongoing drought, most hotels and tourist accommodations are operating normally.
Travelers should follow standard precautions for hot weather, such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during peak hours, and seeking medical help if needed.
Where Is Mount Etna and Is It Dangerous?
Mount Etna is situated on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, and is one of Europe’s most active volcanoes. The volcano has been particularly active over the last five years.
Although Etna erupts frequently, lava flows have not reached nearby towns since the 1800s.
Etna features over 200 craters, and when one of these erupts, the city of Catania, located at its base, often experiences a fallout of black volcanic ash. While this is inconvenient for residents, it usually does not pose significant issues for visitors.
Even during eruptions, many hiking trails and paths around Etna remain safe, though it is legally required to hike with a qualified local mountain guide.
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