Etna eruption forces Sicily's Catania Airport to close again

Catania Airport, a key gateway to Sicily, has temporarily halted operations because of the recent eruption of Mount Etna. The airport announced that no arrivals or departures would occur until Saturday morning, urging travelers to verify their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport.

The decision to close the airport depends on the volcano's activity, wind direction, and ash concentration in the air. This latest closure follows previous extensions, with hundreds of flights already canceled, delayed, or rerouted since the eruption began a week ago. The airport's operating company estimates these disruptions have been the most severe in 20 years.

While the situation had shown signs of calming, the impact on tourism is palpable. The trade association Assoesercenti estimates economic losses from flight cancellations and disruptions to be between 12 and 24 million euros. Despite the operational challenges, the volcano continues to attract visitors, with guides reporting high demand for tours to witness the lava flows.

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The only certainty is that there are no certainties.