Etna eruptions close Catania airport until Wednesday afternoon

Catania airport, located in Sicily, is closed due to eruptions from Mount Etna. The airport closure, which serves around 12 million passengers annually, has been extended until 6 PM on Wednesday, given the impact of volcanic ash and wind on air operations.

According to various sources, the eruption of Etna, which is the highest volcano in Europe, has caused significant disruptions to air traffic in the region. The accumulation of ash from the volcanic activity has also led to the closure of other airports in Sicily, although the main focus has been Catania.

Hotels, travel agencies, and tour operators in Sicily have expressed concerns over potential cancellations and trip withdrawals, as well as negative effects on the island's image as a tourist destination.

It remains unclear how long the situation may persist, as weather conditions and the level of volcanic activity remain unpredictable. In the meantime, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and providing updates on the airport's operations.

The temporary closure of the airport adds to the challenges faced by the tourism industry in Sicily, which has already been impacted by various factors in recent years. Local authorities continue to assess the situation and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of passengers.