Flights at Catania Airport remain suspended until 2pm on Tuesday, July 7, as Mount Etna continues to erupt, holidaymakers have been warned. The volcano in Sicily began erupting on Sunday, July 5, sending a plume of ash into the skies and causing widespread disruption to air travel.
Volcanic Activity and Red Alert
According to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the emissions began at around 5:45 am. This prompted Italy’s Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) to issue a red alert level, the highest warning for aviation. Catania airport, the busiest airport on the Italian island, was forced to suspend all flights to and from the travel hub.
Local news site Quotidiano Di Ragusa reported that flights to and from Catania airport remain suspended until 2pm today. This was announced by SAC, the company that manages the airport and one in Comiso, which is operating as normal.
Impact on Airlines and Passengers
Among the airlines impacted by the suspension on Monday included easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, British Airways, and Wizz Air. Passengers are urged to check the status of their flight before going to the airport. Palermo airport, located on the northwest coast of the island, is operating as usual and has received diverted flights due to land at Catania. Other flights have been diverted to the small Sicilian airports of Cosimo and Trapani, as well as Rome.
Passenger Rights and UK Foreign Office Advice
Under UK law, passengers are entitled to accommodation and meals if their flight is cancelled, until the airline can fly you to your destination. Alternatively, you can request a refund. It’s unlikely that passengers will be entitled to compensation as the volcanic eruption is outside the airline’s fault.
Regarding volcanic activity in Sicily, the UK Foreign Office states: “Due to volcanic activity, local authorities have increased the alert levels for Stromboli in the south of Italy. In the event of a volcanic eruption, follow the advice of local authorities. Airspace can be affected during eruptions. If you are travelling to or from Catania, during a period of heightened activity, check with your travel provider or with Catania airport.”
