Italian airport reopens as volcanic eruption dies down

Catania International Airport, located in eastern Sicily, one of Italy's most beloved tourist hotspots, resumed operations on Saturday following a week-long suspension due to a volcanic eruption at nearby Mount Etna. The airport announced on its website that flights had resumed at 2pm, after the alert status for the volcano was lowered from red to orange.

The shutdown of flights had disrupted the travel plans of thousands of holidaymakers and raised concerns about the airport's future. The suspension began on August 8 and was gradually extended day by day. The eruption also attracted a large number of visitors to Mount Etna, where the breathtaking sight of lava flows could be observed up close.

Standing at an impressive 3,324 meters, Mount Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe and is known for its frequent eruptions. In 2024, approximately 12 million passengers passed through Catania International Airport, which serves as a gateway to the eastern part of Sicily, a prime tourist destination in Italy.