Catania airport temporarily closed after Etna ash emission

Due to strong volcanic ash emissions from Mount Etna, Catania Airport in Sicily has been temporarily closed to all air traffic.

Aeroporto Fontanarossa said all takeoffs and landings had been canceled until 4 p.m. In addition, a violent thunderstorm during the night also caused disruptions to air traffic.

The volcano on the Italian island is the most active in Europe and continually emits ash. Ash is currently emerging from the northeast crater and is being carried south by the wind. According to the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the cloud reaches four kilometers into the sky.

As was the case last week and also in August, the red warning level currently applies to air traffic. This is the highest of four levels. Fontanarossa Airport is also used by numerous foreigners who want to vacation on Italy's largest Mediterranean island.