Sicily: Catania Airport Remains Closed Due to Etna Eruption

Catania Airport in Sicily will remain closed until Saturday, August 15, as Mount Etna continues its volcanic activity. Ashfall from the eruption has blanketed the region, forcing the suspension of all arrivals and departures.

“

It is difficult to deny that the events of the past few days lead to one conclusion: it is not the volcano that is in the wrong place, but the airport.

The closure, affecting one of Italy's five busiest airports, has already led to hundreds of flight cancellations and diversions over the past week. The suspension is in effect until 2 PM local time on August 15. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for the latest flight status updates.

These disruptions come during the peak of the summer travel season, significantly impacting thousands of passengers and increasing pressure on other Sicilian airports. Sources from the airport's management company, SAC, told ANSA that the current situation represents the most severe problems the airport has faced in two decades.

“

We were supposed to leave on Wednesday, but our flight was canceled. Then it was rescheduled for Friday. Now, this flight has also been canceled.

Between August 6 and 12, over 30% of scheduled flights were canceled, and approximately 630 flights were rerouted. This has left thousands of travelers stranded, with many seeking refuge in airport terminals. The prolonged closure has reignited discussions in Sicily about the airport's vulnerability to Etna's frequent eruptions, with one official questioning if the airport is in the wrong location rather than the volcano.

“

Our flight has changed twice and we are trying to get to (the Sardinian city of) Olbia, but nobody has helped us. We have no information, only emails that do not explain everything about the changes.