The Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance for Italy following an eruption of Mount Etna that has caused flight disruptions. The update, titled 'Mount Etna Eruption - Flight Disruption', was added on Friday, August 7. Travellers are advised: "Flights are currently affected by an ash cloud from Mount Etna. Check with your travel provider or Catania Airport before travelling."
Flight suspensions and resumption
Mount Etna, the largest and most active volcano in Europe, is located on the east coast of Sicily, about 40km north of Catania Airport. The eruption sent plumes of ash into the air, leading to the suspension of flights into Catania on Saturday, August 8, until 12 noon local time. Departures continued as normal.
A later update on the airport website, posted on Saturday, August 8, stated: "Following the downgrade of the volcanic activity alert level from RED to ORANGE, the resumption of flight operations has been authorised with immediate effect. Airspace sectors are therefore back in operation and flight landing services are being gradually restored." The airport also advised passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline before heading to the airport.
Other travel disruptions
In a separate incident, flights at Bristol Airport were suspended due to a runway fault, which emerged late on Friday, August 7. Operations halted, with flights initially expected to resume at 6am on Saturday. The runway eventually reopened at around 8am on Saturday, August 8.
Passenger rights for flight delays
If your flight is delayed, airlines must provide support after a certain period. This includes food and drink, communication access, and accommodation if delayed overnight, plus journeys between the airport and hotel. The support is required if your flight is delayed by at least two hours for flights under 1,500km, at least three hours for flights between 1,500km and 3,500km, or at least four hours for flights over 3,500km.
