Persistent Etna ash shuts Catania airport during peak holiday week
Summary
Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano in Sicily, has been erupting continuously, producing ash that forced the closure of Catania airport for five days during Italy's busiest holiday week. The ash poses dangers to aircraft engines, leading to many flight cancellations and diversions, while local transportation and services face heavy strain.Key Facts
- Mount Etna's eruption has been ongoing, releasing large amounts of volcanic ash for several days.
- Catania airport, Sicily’s largest, has been closed since August 6 and will reopen early August 15.
- The closure occurred during Ferragosto, the peak of the Italian summer holiday season.
- Volcanic ash can damage airplane engines, causing stalls, so flights are canceled or diverted for safety.
- About 36% of nearly 2,000 scheduled flights to Catania between August 6 and 12 were canceled.
- Over 600 flights were redirected to other airports in Sicily and nearby Calabria.
- Taxi and car rental prices increased due to the airport shutdown, prompting complaints and an official inquiry.
- Trenitalia increased train services between Palermo, Messina, and Catania to help travelers.
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