Etna eruption strands thousands of tourists in Sicily amid peak travel season

Mount Etna's recent eruption has thrown Sicily's peak tourist season into disarray, stranding thousands of travelers. Catania Airport, the island's main gateway, has been severely impacted, with flight operations drastically reduced. Only a single domestic flight managed to depart in the morning, while all landings were suspended until at least evening due to the dense ash clouds.

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In Catania, only a single machine was able to take off in the morning.

The volcano, Europe's most active, has been spewing large amounts of ash and incandescent rock fragments since Friday. Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported thick lava flows emanating from two craters at elevations of 2,360 and 2,750 meters. Flight disruptions have now persisted for five consecutive days, with authorities making real-time decisions on airport closures based on wind direction and ash concentration.

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All landings were suspended until the evening as a precaution.

With Catania Airport under the highest 'Red' warning level, indicating an imminent or ongoing eruption with substantial ash output, many tourists are seeking alternative travel routes. Some are attempting to reach the airport in Palermo or opt for train travel. An estimated 30,000 tourists are currently affected, facing extended stays as accommodations on the island are fully booked. Reports from the airport describe chaotic scenes, with overwhelmed staff and passengers struggling to find solutions. Aircraft on the tarmac are covered for protection, and the runways require constant cleaning of volcanic ash.

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The flight operations have now been affected for the fifth day in a row.