Mount Etna eruption halts Catania: Catania Airport suspends operations amid volcanic activity

The management of Catania airport in Sicily announced on Tuesday that flight operations, both arrivals and departures, would be suspended due to increased volcanic activity from Mount Etna. The airport has been temporarily closed.

The crisis management committee decided that flights should be suspended until the volcanic ash settles and the airport is thoroughly cleaned before they can resume.

Until then, planned air travels will be cancelled or redirected to other airports.

Airport managers have urged passengers to contact their airlines directly for the latest information regarding their reservations and planned travels.

Volcanology experts reported that the volcanic ash cloud from the eruption reached 8,000 metres above ground.