Mount Etna eruption and volcanic ash shut Sicily’s busiest airport
Summary
Mount Etna’s volcanic eruption has caused the closure of Sicily’s busiest airport, Vincenzo Bellini Airport, disrupting many flights. The airport suspended flights until at least early Saturday, and ash from the volcano caused the largest disruption in over 20 years.Key Facts
- Mount Etna in Sicily is Europe’s tallest and most active volcano.
- Vincenzo Bellini Airport in Catania closed flights until at least 2pm local time on Saturday due to volcanic ash.
- Over one-third of 1,974 flights from last Thursday to Wednesday were canceled, and about 600 flights were redirected.
- Catania airport is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from Mount Etna.
- The airport normally serves at least 40,000 passengers each day.
- Hundreds of travelers faced delays or cancellations during a busy travel week.
- Volcanic ash affected areas beyond Europe, reaching as far as North Africa.
- The Italian train company added extra trains to cover travel during the flight disruption.
- Airlines are generally not required to pay compensation for disruptions caused by volcanic eruptions because they are considered extraordinary events.
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