Etna eruption forces Catania airport closure, disrupting thousands of flights

The ongoing eruption of Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, has forced the closure of Catania-Fontanarossa airport in Sicily for a seventh consecutive day, causing widespread travel chaos during the peak summer tourist season. Over 1,000 flights have been cancelled and around 350 diverted since August 6, affecting an estimated 100,000 passengers Source: El Confidencial, Infobae. The airport has suspended operations until at least 2:00 AM on Friday, with volcanic ash covering runways and posing a risk to aircraft engines Source: La Voz, Clarin.

Impact and response

Airlines including Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air have cancelled or diverted numerous flights, with many passengers redirected to Palermo, Trapani, and Comiso airports Source: Clarin. However, these alternatives are struggling to cope, and some travellers have been forced to sleep at the airport or face exorbitant taxi fares of up to 800 euros Source: El País. The economic toll on tourism, which accounts for 4.2% of Sicily's economy, is estimated at between 13 and 24 million euros Source: La Voz, Infobae.

Political debate

Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci has criticised the airport's vulnerability, stating, "The problem is not the volcano, but the airport," and reiterating his 1999 proposal to relocate the facility Source: Infobae. Local associations are calling for a permanent coordination body to manage such emergencies Source: El Mundo. Meanwhile, the volcano continues to emit lava flows from multiple vents, though scientists note a slight decrease in internal pressure Source: Infobae.