Major airport closes due to volcano eruption affecting Stansted flights

Catania-Fontanarossa Airport in Sicily has suspended all operations until 10pm local time on Tuesday after Mount Etna released fresh ash, leading to disruption for travelers departing from London Stansted. Ryanair flights from Stansted have been diverted or cancelled, including one service sent to Palermo. The airport operator extended the closure of airspace sectors B3 and C1, grounding arrivals and departures at Sicily’s busiest hub. Ryanair flight FR5059 was among those affected, diverting to Palermo as the ash cloud drifted over approach paths. Across the network, at least 129 flights have been cancelled and 61 diverted, with passengers rerouted to Trapani and Comiso. Travel agents advise checking flight status with airlines because the situation remains fluid.