Volcanic eruption grounds flights to and from popular holiday spot

Mount Etna’s eruption on August 10 in eastern Sicily grounded flights and disrupted travel for holidaymakers and airlines, particularly affecting Catania International Airport. Arrivals were suspended due to volcanic ash in the airspace after the blast sent a thick plume of ash and smoke into the sky. The hazard forced incoming flights to be halted as a safety precaution, leading to cancellations and diversions. Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, has produced molten lava and glowing rocks from its summit. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology’s Etna Observatory issued its highest-level aviation warning, indicating a substantial-ash eruption is underway or expected imminently. Catania Airport has closed multiple times previously during eruptions because ash clouds endanger aircraft during both takeoff and landing. Travellers were urged to check with airlines as conditions can change rapidly.