CATANIA – Mount Etna covers Fontanarossa airport in ash cloud; flights suspended

ROME, September 26 /ATSH-DPA/ – Catania airport in Sicily has been temporarily closed to all flights due to a dense cloud of volcanic ash caused by activity on Mount Etna.

According to an announcement from “Fontanarossa” airport, all takeoffs and landings are suspended until 4:00 p.m. local time (14:00 GMT) on Saturday.

Air traffic problems were also compounded by a powerful thunderstorm overnight, which caused further disruptions to flight operations.

Etna, located on the island of Sicily, is the most active volcano in Europe.

Currently, ash is emerging from the volcano’s north-eastern crater and is being carried south by winds.

According to the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the ash cloud has risen to about 4 kilometers above the surface.

Due to the volcanic activity, a red aviation alert has been set — the highest level in the four-stage system.

The same alert level was in effect last week and during the month of August.

The temporary closure of the airport may cause delays, cancellations and flight diversions, especially if ash emissions continue or the wind changes direction.