Sunday, August 4, 2024 Mount Etna’s eruption has caused delays at Catania International Airport. Smoke from the eruption affects pilot visibility, leading to flight delays. Nearby towns are now covered in black volcanic ash following the eruption of the Voragine crater last night.
Catania, situated on Sicily’s east coast and at the foot of Mount Etna, currently limits arrivals to six per hour. Some departures also face delays. During previous eruptions, authorities diverted flights to other Sicilian airports like Palermo and Comiso.
However, it is uncertain if this will be the plan today. The airport management advises passengers to contact their airlines for flight information. Travelers should check airline apps, websites, and social media channels for updates.
Also, keep an eye on the email used for booking, as airlines or booking platforms may notify changes. Arrival boards indicate delays of 30 minutes to one hour for some flights. Most departures have taken off on time this morning, but congestion on runways could cause further delays.
Catania, Sicily’s most popular airport for international tourists, faces these issues at the peak of the summer season. At Catania International Airport, several flights have been canceled due to the ongoing eruption of Mount Etna. Among the canceled departures are FR2707 to Trieste at 3:50 PM, FR9638 to Prague at 2:35 PM, FR4857 to Rome at 1:00 PM, and EW2819 to Stuttgart at 9:10 AM.
All these flights, operated by Ryanair and Eurowings, faced disruptions. In terms of arrivals, the 7:50 PM FR2708 flight from Trieste operated by Ryanair has also been canceled. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for further updates.
Currently, flights are not being diverted to other Sicilian airports. However, if volcanic smoke continues to affect visibility, authorities may start diversions. Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, requires at least eight hours to drive from east to west.
Comiso Airport, a two-hour drive from Catania Airport, is on the east side of the island. Palermo and Trapani, located on the west side, are four to five hours’ drive from Catania. Sicily’s airports offer car hire services, and coaches connect the main cities.
During previous disruptions, airports or airlines arranged free coaches to transport passengers to their original destinations. Airlines must offer another flight or a refund if a flight is canceled or delayed by more than three hours, provided the disruption could have been prevented. In the case of a volcanic eruption, this does not apply.
Nonetheless, airlines typically strive to get passengers to their final destination. Travel insurance can help cover unexpected expenses. Despite an ongoing drought in Sicily, most hotels and tourist accommodations are open and operating normally.
Travelers should take usual hot weather precautions—drink plenty of water, stay in the shade during the hottest hours, and seek medical attention if feeling unwell. Mount Etna is on the east coast of Sicily and is Europe’s most active volcano. It has been particularly active in the last five years.
Although Etna erupts frequently, lava has not reached nearby towns since the 1800s. With over 200 craters, an eruption causes black volcanic ash to fall in Catania and surrounding towns. This inconveniences residents but usually does not affect visitors.
Even during eruptions, many hiking trails and paths remain safe, though a qualified local mountain guide is legally required for hikes..
