Sicily's Catania Airport shuts down due to Mount Etna eruption; 1,000+ flights canceled

Catania Airport, Sicily's primary travel hub, remains closed until early Friday morning due to Mount Etna's ongoing eruption, causing widespread disruption to summer travel to the popular island. The volcano has affected over 1,350 flights in the past week, with the airport extending the halt on passenger flights through 8 a.m. Friday.

So far, about 1,000 flights have been canceled, and 350 routed to other facilities between August 6 and August 12, affecting over 100,000 passengers. Flights have been diverted to other Sicilian airports, including Palermo, Trapani, and Comiso, causing major travel challenges. Passengers have been forced to sleep at the airport, and local transportation prices have skyrocketed due to a shortage of rental cars.

Airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet, and Ita Airways have faced heavy delays, cancellations, and diversions. Mount Etna's frequent eruptions have often disrupted flights at Catania, with volcanic ash coating airport runways, patios, and swimming pools, posing risks to aircraft engines. Tourism, a vital part of Sicily's economy, would be significantly impacted by the Etna eruptions, with up to €24 million in tourist spending potentially affected.

Assoesercenti, a small-business lobby, suggests the need for a permanent, centralized planning body to coordinate between airports, airlines, and businesses to mitigate the impact of Etna's eruptions.