Passengers using Sicily ’s busiest airport, Catania , are facing delays and cancellations as a result of Mount Etna ’ most recent eruption. Europe ’s highest active volcano has seen increased activity over the past few days, with the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia in Catania saying ash had reached 2.7 miles in height.
As a result of the eruption, some of the airspace in the region has been closed to passenger aircraft – meaning the arrivals rate at Catania airport is much slower than usual, at just five per hour. At least 90 outbound and inbound flights – representing around 15,000 passengers – have been cancelled. They include British Airways to and from London Gatwick and easyJet links with Luton and Bristol.
EasyJet is telling passengers: “We’re sorry that your flight has been cancelled. This is because volcanic activity in CTA [Catania] is causing restrictions to the areas in which aircraft are permitted to fly. “The safety of you and our crew is our highest priority and we thank you for your understanding.
” The highest number of cancellations is on Ryanair , with 42. Many other passengers have found themselves on diverted flights, mostly to the airport serving Sicily’s capital, Palermo. Italy’s Civil Protection Department says: “Italy, together with Iceland, has the greatest concentration of active volcanoes in Europe and is one of the first in the world for the number of inhabitants exposed to volcanic risk.
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