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Volcano Chaos! Mount Etna Eruption Grounds Flights at Catania Airport
Catania Airport, a key hub in Sicily’s tourism hotspot, has been brought to a grinding halt. The culprit? A fresh eruption at nearby Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano.
Flights Suspended Amid Volcanic Ash Threat
The airport operator announced a full stop on all flights until 8pm local time (6pm GMT) due to thick volcanic ash clouds. This ash poses serious risks to aircraft engines and passenger safety, forcing officials to play it safe.
Originally, flights were only grounded until 1pm, but worsening conditions extended the ban well into the evening.
Catania’s Streets Turn Deadly – Mayor Bans Bikes & Motorcycles
The ash fallout hasn’t just stranded travellers – it’s turned the city’s roads slippery and dangerous. Enrico Trantino, Catania’s mayor, has banned motorcycles and bicycles for the next 48 hours to prevent accidents on ash-covered streets.
Mount Etna: Europe’s Sleeping Giant Raises a Fiery Roar Again
Rising nearly 11,000 feet, Mount Etna has a fiery past stretching back 500,000 years. This latest eruption is just the newest flare-up in its long volcanic saga.
Etna’s disruption isn’t new to the area — flights at Catania airport were also grounded for a full day on May 21 last year. The airport serves around 10 million passengers annually, making it a vital gateway for eastern Sicily.
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