- Etna volcano ash cloud has halted arrivals at Sicily's Catania airport.
- SAC advised passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline before heading to the airport, as the situation was significantly affecting operations.
- The situation is being constantly monitored, and further updates will be provided depending on the evolution of volcanic activity and weather conditions, SAC added.
Flights arriving at Catania airport in eastern Sicily were suspended until 1500 GMT on Monday due to volcanic ash from a fresh eruption of Mount Etna. The operator, SAC, advised passengers to check their flight status as operations are significantly affected.
Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes, frequently disrupts air traffic at Catania, Italy's fifth busiest airport by passenger traffic. The latest eruptive phase is ongoing, with activity reported from vents at altitudes of 2,750 metres (9,022 ft) and 2,360 metres, creating extensive lava fields and several lava flows, according to Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).
The INGV's Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) remains at the highest alert level, red, indicating ongoing hazards for aircraft from ash emissions. The situation is being constantly monitored, with further updates to be provided based on the evolution of volcanic activity and weather conditions.3
As the ash cloud continues to affect operations, passengers are urged to stay informed and check with their airlines before heading to the airport.
“SAC said the situation is being constantly monitored, with further updates depending on the evolution of volcanic activity and weather conditions. Passengers are urged to verify their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport.”
