Mount Etna, the highest and most active volcano in Europe, has sent volcanic ash two and a half miles into the sky during a severe eruption, causing significant disruptions to air travel. Passengers with flights to Catania in Sicily are being invited to check their travel status, as hundreds of flights have either been canceled or diverted to other airports due to this eruption.
Flight Disruptions and Red Alert
According to published information, the Etna Volcano Observatory has issued a red VONA (Volcanic Ash Advisory for Aviation) alert due to volcanic ash moving towards the Italian transport hub. The airport operator SAC has announced that 36% of flights to Catania between August 6 and 12 have been canceled.
Over 600 flights have been diverted to nearby airports such as Palermo, Trapani, Comiso, and Lamezia Terme. This situation has had a significant impact on travelers, especially during the peak summer holiday season, which typically sees an increase in travel.
History of Volcanic Activity at Mount Etna
Mount Etna typically erupts several times a year, and flight disruptions due to these eruptions are not uncommon. However, ash production has significantly increased this year. Last month, Catania Airport was closed for five days due to volcanic ash, marking the longest closure period since 2002.
The airport closure coincided with Ferragosto, an Italian public holiday celebrated on August 15, which usually marks the peak of the Italian summer season. However, this year, many popular destinations were unusually less crowded compared to previous years.
The recent eruption has not only affected Italy; northern winds have carried ash towards Malta and parts of North Africa. Boris Benke, a researcher at the Etna Observatory, emphasized that this event is different from previous ones due to the sustained ash production from the summit of Mount Etna.
Mount Etna is located about 22 miles from Catania, which is the second-largest city in Sicily and usually serves as a starting point for tourists visiting the volcano. However, this city also faces the consequences of the frequent eruptions of the volcano. In 2001, Etna erupted significantly 16 times.
Read more: Discovery of Five Lesser-Known Islands Around Britain
