Persistent Etna ash shuts Sicily's busiest airport during peak holiday week

Volcanic ash from Mount Etna has forced the closure of Catania's airport for five consecutive days, disrupting travel during the peak Italian summer holiday season. Catania's airport will stay closed until Saturday, Ferragosto holiday, when millions typically travel. This is the longest emergency since 2002. Boris Behncke, a volcanology researcher, explained that volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines, causing stalls.

The eruption is unusual as it has persisted for a longer period than usual, and northerly winds have dispersed ash to Malta and northern Africa. The closure has led to rerouted flights and increased taxi and car rental prices. The Codacons consumer association plans to file a complaint over potential price gouging. About 36% of 2,000 scheduled arrivals in Catania from August 6-12 were canceled, with more than 600 diverted to other Sicilian and Calabrian airports.

Trenitalia added six trains to help alleviate the strain. Travel agencies and tour operators have requested a task force to coordinate responses to the disruptions, citing structural shortcomings.