The Etna continues to cause problems for air traffic in Sicilia and the moment could not be more delicate: theAirport of Catania will remain closed until 2 a.m. on Friday, August 14th., right on the eve of FerragostoThe volcanic ash has caused a real paralysis in Fontanarossa, with approximately 700 flights cancelled or rescheduled since the start of the emergency, and tens of thousands of passengers have been affected. The disruptions aren't limited to Catania: Palermo, Comiso, and Trapani are absorbing some of the connections transferred from Fontanarossa, while the Sicilian Region has implemented extraordinary measures to try to alleviate the situation.
Catania Airport closed: 700 flights affected and disruptions at other airports.
The presence of volcanic ash continues to hinder air operations. Between cancellations and rescheduling at other airports, approximately 700 flights have been cancelled at Fontanarossa since the start of the emergency. This number reflects the extent of the disruption: according to Sicilian Regional President Renato Schifani, tens of thousands of passengers have been affected.
To manage the emergency, some of the flights initially destined for Catania were transferred to other Sicilian airports, in particular Comiso, Palermo e TrapaniIn some cases, passengers were forced to take long bus transfers to reach alternative airports, while others even spent the night at the airport. The closure of the airport has meanwhile been extended until 2 a.m. on Friday, August 14, with the risk of further disruptions. cancellations and changes right in the hours leading up to Ferragosto.
The Region activates extraordinary connections
Faced with a situation involving tens of thousands of people, the Sicilian region decided to intervene, despite not having expertise in air traffic management. President Renato Schifani explained that measures had been activated connections Extraordinary Civil Protection has been involved, with the aim of helping reduce the disruption caused by the closure of Fontanarossa. Decisions regarding flight operations and passenger assistance remain the responsibility of the airlines.
Anyone departing or arriving in Sicily in the next few hours should check the status of their flight directly with the airline before reaching the airport. In the event of cancellation or rescheduling, the airline will inform them. alternative available and the conditions provided for assistance, re-routing or refund.
Etna continues to erupt: new vent and lava flows
At the root of the emergency there is the eruptive activity of Etna, which continues to produce ash and volcanic material. In recent days a new eruptive vent has opened at the base of the north face of the Bove Valley, above Monte Simone, at about 2.090 meters above sea level. Strombolian activity continues, while lava flows affect the Valle del Bove and the Lion Valley.
The ash cloud moved south and southwest, affecting areas beyond Sicily. The cloud is also believed to have reached Malta, impacting air traffic.
Musumeci: "The airport in Catania is out of place, not the volcano."
The emergency has also reignited the debate over the future of the Fontanarossa airport. Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci Musumeci He declared: "In Catania, the airport is out of place, not the volcano," recalling the proposal to relocate Catania airport, put forward as early as 1999. The current emergency thus once again highlights the vulnerability of one of Sicily's main airports to Etna's activity.
For those who have planned a trip between August 14th and 15th, therefore, the advice remains to check your flight before departing, as cancellations, diversions, and rescheduling can change rapidly. Currently, Catania Airport remains closed until 2:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14th, and the evolution of Etna's activity will be crucial in determining when the airport will be able to return to full operation.
