Catania airport in Sicily stayed shut for a third consecutive day on September 28 as ash from Mount Etna halted all flights, airport operator SAC said.
The closure cuts off the main air gateway to eastern Sicily, and Italy’s fifth-busiest airport by passenger numbers, at the tail of the summer season. Ash emissions have been heavy this year, disrupting travel for thousands of passengers during the peak holiday months, as the island’s resorts stretch their events calendar into September.
SAC suspended all arrivals and departures until 23:59 local time on September 28, after restrictions on two airspace sectors near the volcano stayed in force. The airport had hoped to reopen at midday.
Passengers were advised to check their flight status with airlines before travelling to the airport, and SAC said it would issue further updates.
Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano, regularly disrupts flights at Catania. In August, Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci said the airport was in the wrong place.
SAC runs Catania Fontanarossa airport and Comiso airport in south-eastern Sicily.