Local authorities have put warnings in place as both Etna and Stromboli volcanoes have become dangerously active. Travellers using Catania airport - Sicily’s largest - are facing severe delays and cancellations thanks to Mount Etna’s latest eruption. The active volcano, Europe’s highest, has seen significantly increased activity over the past week.
Stromboli, on the nearby Aeolian island, could also erupt imminently. The Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia in Catania has reported that ash emanating from Mount Etna has reached a staggering 4.35 kilometres into the air.
As a result, much of the airspace near the volcano was forced to close to passenger aircraft. That means that the number of arrivals at Catania airport is much lower than usual - at just five per hour. The airport has said normal service will resume at 3pm local time.
So far, at least 90 outbound and inbound flights have been cancelled at Catania airport, disrupting around 15,000 passengers. Ryanair alone have been forced to cancel 42 flights - the highest of any airline. Easyjet have been affected too: “We’re sorry that your flight has been cancelled,” they told passengers, “This is because volcanic activity in CTA [Catania] is causing restrictions to the areas in which aircraft are permitted to fly.
” A large chunk of travellers have found themselves on diverted flights, with many arriving at Palermo, the airport which serves Sicily’s capital and a 4-hour drive from Catania. Italy�.