Mount Etna volcanic ash cloud closes Catania Airport

Catania Airport in Sicily suspended flights again after the latest eruption of Mount Etna, prompting a fresh disruption advisory from the UK Foreign Office. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warned that flights were affected by ash cloud from Etna and urged travellers to check with their travel provider or the airport before heading to the terminal. Catania had first said arriving services were suspended until 4pm local time on Monday. It then closed the airport to both arrivals and departures until 10pm, before extending the shutdown to 10am the following day. The airport’s website showed departures cancelled or delayed throughout the morning, while inbound flights were also cancelled or diverted. Disruptions due to volcanic activity have affected multiple days in July and August.