Mount Etna erupts, flights to and from Eastern Sicily Airports disrupted; Here are the details

Tens of thousands of travelers embarking on flights to or from airports in eastern Sicily are facing the inconvenience of cancellations and diversions due to the eruption of Mount Etna. The volcano's ash plume has spread across the eastern part of the island, causing significant disruptions to air travel and affecting key airports.

Catania Airport's Closure and Impact

Catania airport, which typically handles around 200 flights daily during August, was forced to close following the eruption. This crucial airport serves as the primary gateway to Sicily and is situated approximately 50 kilometers south of Mount Etna. The disruption was evident with the arrival of a flight from Casablanca at 2:38 am local time on a Monday.

Flights Delayed and Diverted

The volcanic activity's impact was evident with flights experiencing significant delays and diversions. EasyJet's 6:30 am flight from London Gatwick to Catania faced an extensive hold at the Sussex airport, with an estimated arrival time pushed to 8:00 pm – a delay spanning over nine hours. Passengers were informed that volcanic activity had prompted restrictions in flight routes to ensure safety.

Challenges Faced by Other Airlines

British Airways encountered similar disruptions with its 7:10 am departure from Gatwick to Catania, also enduring a nine-hour delay. Ryanair, a prominent low-cost carrier, had to divert seven flights bound for Catania to Trapani airport, located at the western end of Sicily. The carrier issued apologies to passengers, explaining that the volcanic eruption had caused circumstances beyond their control.

Numerous Cancellations and Further Impact

The eruption's ripple effects were felt across numerous other flights. At least ten ITA flights connecting Rome and Catania were among the cancellations. With Mount Etna's activity affecting airspace and safety considerations being paramount, travelers have faced considerable challenges navigating through this unexpected disruption in the midst of their travel plans.

FAQs:

Q1:What is Mount Etna?
Mount Etna is an active stratovolcano located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. It is one of the most iconic and well-known volcanoes in the world. With an elevation of approximately 3,357 meters (11,013 feet), Mount Etna stands as the tallest active volcano in Europe and one of the most active volcanoes globally.

Q2:Why do volcanoes erupt?
Volcanoes erupt due to the movement of molten rock, gases, and other materials from within the Earth's interior to its surface. This movement is primarily driven by the intense heat generated by the Earth's core, which causes the molten rock, known as magma, to rise towards the surface through cracks and weaknesses in the Earth's crust. The process of volcanic eruptions is complex and can be triggered by various factors.