Sunday, August 4, 2024
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The eruption of Mount Etna has caused flight delays at Catania International Airport. The smoke from the eruption is also affecting pilots’ visibility, leading to flight delays.
Impact on neighboring cities
Nearby towns are now covered in black volcanic ash after the Voragini crater erupted last night.
Flight Restrictions and Delays
Catania is located on the eastern coast of Sicily at the foot of Mount Etna, and arrivals are currently limited to six flights per hour. Some departures are also experiencing delays. During previous eruptions, authorities have diverted flights to other Sicilian airports such as Palermo and Comiso. However, it is not clear whether that is the plan today.
Tips for travelers
Airport management advises passengers to contact their airlines for flight information. Passengers should check their airline apps, websites and social media channels for updates. They should also monitor the email used for booking, as airlines or booking platforms may notify them of changes.
Current flight status
Arrivals boards show delays of between 30 minutes and an hour for some flights. Most departures took off on time this morning, but congestion on the runways could cause further delays. Catania Airport, Sicily’s most popular airport for international tourists, is experiencing these problems at the height of the summer season.
Departure and arrival cancellations
At Catania International Airport, several flights have been cancelled due to the eruption of Mount Etna. Among the cancelled flights are FR2707 to Trieste at 3:50 p.m., FR9638 to Prague at 2:35 p.m., FR4857 to Rome at 1:00 p.m., and EW2819 to Stuttgart at 9:10 a.m. All of these flights, operated by Ryanair and Eurowings, experienced disruptions.
Regarding arrivals, Ryanair flight FR2708 departing at 7:50 pm from Trieste has also been cancelled. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for further updates.
Possible flight diversions
Flights are not currently being diverted to other Sicilian airports. However, if the volcanic smoke continues to affect visibility, authorities may begin diverting flights. Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, requires at least an eight-hour drive from east to west. Comiso Airport, a two-hour drive from Catania Airport, is located on the eastern side of the island. Palermo and Trapani, located on the western side, are four to five hours by car from Catania.
Transportation Options
Sicily’s airports offer car rental services, and buses connect the main cities. During previous unrest, airports or airlines have arranged free buses to take passengers to their original destinations.
Passenger compensation
Airlines must offer another flight or refund if a flight is cancelled or delayed for more than three hours, provided the disruption was avoidable. In the case of a volcanic eruption, this does not apply. However, airlines will usually endeavour to get passengers to their final destination. Travel insurance can help cover unexpected expenses.
Travel Warning
Despite the ongoing drought in Sicily, most hotels and tourist accommodations are open and operating normally. Travelers should take the usual precautions in hot weather – drink plenty of water, stay in the shade during the hottest hours, and seek medical attention if they feel unwell.
Mount Etna location and danger
Mount Etna, located on the eastern coast of Sicily, is the most active volcano in Europe. It has been particularly active in the past five years. Although Etna erupts frequently, lava has not reached nearby towns since the 19th century. With over 200 craters, eruptions rain down black ash on Catania and surrounding towns. This disturbs residents but usually does not affect visitors. Even during an eruption, many hiking trails remain safe, although a qualified local mountain guide is legally required for hiking.
