Mount Etna Eruption Sparks Travel Chaos in Sicily Ahead of Ferragosto

Mount Etna eruption causes travel chaos in Sicily

Published on 14/08/2023 – 12:19 • Updated 16:30

Ahead of Italy’s biggest bank holiday, an ash cloud from the eruption has caused flight cancellations, delays, and diversions, disrupting travel to and from Sicily.

Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, erupted on Sunday evening, prompting Italian authorities to declare a “pre-alert” phase, moving from warning level F0 to F1.

The majority of flights in and out of Catania airport, Sicily’s second biggest airport, have been cancelled. The airport is expected to reopen at 8pm this evening.

Catania normally handles around 200 flights a day and had to close at 2:38 am following the arrival of a flight from Casablanca. The airport is located approximately 50km south of the volcano.

The eruption has now subsided, but the streets of Catania are covered in ash. The mayor has implemented measures such as banning the use of motorcycles until Wednesday and limiting drivers to a maximum speed of 30kph.

Catania airport’s departures and arrivals boards show that approximately 95% of flights today have been cancelled. However, a few flights are still arriving or being diverted to other airports in Sicily.

Sicily’s airports are spread out across the island. Catania and Comiso airports are on the east coast, while Palermo airport, the largest on the island, is on the west coast, approximately a 4-5 hour drive from Catania. Some flights are also being diverted to Trapani airport, which is a 4-hour drive from Catania.

Unfortunately, Sicily does not have a good public transport system. Coaches between Catania, Palermo, and Trapani mostly operate from the city centers rather than the airports. However, there are car hire companies available at all of Sicily’s airports.

Ryanair has warned all passengers traveling to and from Catania on 14 August that they could face possible delays, diversions, or cancellations to flights. EasyJet, the main airline flying from the UK to Catania, has already cancelled flights from Bristol, Edinburgh, and Gatwick. They are diverting some flights to Comiso airport, a 2-hour drive from Catania airport. Dozens of flights to Catania from other airlines across Europe have also been cancelled.

The eruption has also affected Comiso airport, located around 150km from Mount Etna, with flights showing delays earlier this morning. Air traffic heading for the island of Malta is being redirected to avoid the ash cloud from the eruption that has spread across Sicily.

Passengers whose flights are heavily delayed or cancelled due to the eruption are entitled to meals and hotels as per European air passenger rights.

This travel disruption comes just days after Catania reopened following a major fire in one of its terminals in mid-July. The fire led to thousands of flights being cancelled or diverted, causing many tourists to cancel their holidays. Airport authorities have faced criticism for their slow and disorganized response, with hoteliers reporting around 40,000 nights of accommodation lost due to the travel disruption.

If you are due to fly in or out of Catania, it is advised to check with your airline for the latest information on your flight.

How has the eruption of Mount Etna affected air travel in Sicily?

Ort is on the northwest coast. The eruption has led to disruptions at all three airports.

Passengers have been advised to check with their airline for the latest information on their flights. Many travelers have expressed frustration at the lack of communication and assistance, with long lines and chaotic scenes at the airport.

In addition to flight cancellations, train services have also been affected. The railway line between Catania and Messina has been temporarily closed due to the ashfall, causing further travel disruptions.

Tourists visiting Sicily for the bank holiday weekend have been left disappointed and stranded, with many unable to reach their intended destinations.

The eruption of Mount Etna is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity and its impact on travel. It serves as a reminder for travelers to always have a backup plan and stay informed about the latest updates when visiting areas prone to volcanic activity.

Mount Etna, standing at around 3,300 meters, is an iconic symbol of Sicily and attracts thousands of tourists each year. Despite its eruptions being a common occurrence, the volcano continues to captivate and inspire awe.

Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely and update the public on any changes. As of now, it is unclear when flights and other transportation services will resume normal operations.

Overall, the eruption of Mount Etna has caused significant travel chaos in Sicily, prompting flight cancellations, delays, and disruptions to train services. Travelers are advised to stay informed and check with their airlines and transportation providers for the latest information.