Pallade Veneta - Etna eruption forces closure of Sicily's Catania airport

Etna eruption forces closure of Sicily's Catania airport


Etna eruption forces closure of Sicily's Catania airport
Etna eruption forces closure of Sicily's Catania airport / Photo: Giovanni ISOLINO - AFP

The airport at Catania in Sicily, a top Italian tourist destination, has halted all flights after a new eruption at nearby Mount Etna, its operator said Monday.

Change text size:

"Because of an eruption at Etna and falling ash, flights are suspended until 8:00 pm (1800 GMT)," the airport said on its website.

Earlier Monday, it had said departures and arrivals had been halted until just 1:00 pm.

Catania's Mayor Enrico Trantino has also prohibited the use of motorcycles and bicycles for the next 48 hours, "because several areas are covered with a layer of volcanic ash", city hall said on its website.

The ash can quickly become slippery on roads and increase the risk of accidents.

At 3,324 metres (nearly 11,000 feet), Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe and has erupted frequently in the past 500,000 years.

Most recently, Catania airport was closed for a day on May 21 due to an eruption.

Around 10 million passengers last year transited through the airport, which serves the eastern part of Sicily.

A.Rispoli--PV

Featured

Michigan Pizza Driver Halts $785K GoFundme After Viral Prank

Walt Zerod, a Michigan father of four who became the center of a viral online controversy, has paused a crowdfunding campaign that raised nearly $785,000. The Red Baron delivery driver announced on Thursday that he is closing the page to focus on his family during the holiday season.

Kate McClymont Testifies at Alan Jones Trial Over Reporting Methods

Investigative journalist Kate McClymont took the stand in the thirteenth week of the trial against former radio personality Alan Jones, facing rigorous cross-examination over her reporting methodology. Her testimony focused on text message exchanges with police and the verification process that led to the legal proceedings.

Chervon Names Doug Palmer Vice President of Finance - Canada

TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / November 5, 2026 / Effective November 9, 2026, Chervon names Doug Palmer Vice President of Finance - Canada, reporting to Neil Harrison, Vice President and Managing Director of Chervon Canada. He will also have a dotted-line reporting relationship to Ryan Wang, Chief Financial Officer, Chervon NA.

Polaris Renewable Energy Announces Q3 2026 Results

TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / November 5, 2026 / Polaris Renewable Energy Inc. (TSX:PIF) ("Polaris Renewable Energy" or the "Company"), is pleased to report its financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026. This earnings release should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis, which are available on the Company's website at www.PolarisREI.com and have been posted on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The dollar figures below are denominated in US Dollars unless noted otherwise.

Change text size: