As a result of the Etna volcano eruption, air traffic at Sicilian airports has been disrupted for several days. Hundreds of flights have been canceled or rescheduled due to volcanic ash, and some planes have been rerouted from Catania to the airports of Palermo and Comiso. This is reported by DW.
Catania Airport in Sicily has been closed until at least 2 AM on August 14, local time, and it is possible that the closure will last longer. Passengers also face problems when trying to reach other airports on the island. Trains are overcrowded, and the cost of taxi rides has significantly increased. Air traffic disruptions are also observed on the neighboring island of Malta: 19 flights were canceled there on August 11, and three more on August 12. Several flights were delayed.
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According to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology of Italy, Etna has been emitting significant amounts of ash and incandescent rock fragments since August 7. Powerful lava flows are emerging from two craters at altitudes of 2360 and 2750 meters. Two more lava flows have recently formed.
By the way, Etna is the most active volcano in Europe and can erupt several times a year. The previous period of activity occurred at the beginning of July.
