Catania-Fontanarossa airport remains closed because of the continuing eruption of Mount Etna, with no arrivals or departures scheduled until Saturday at 02:00. SAC, which operates the airport, issued the latest extension overnight as volcanic ash continued to affect one of the main gateways to eastern Sicily during the peak holiday season.
Passengers have been advised not to travel to the airport without first checking their flight status with their airline. SAC linked any further changes to volcanic activity, wind direction and ash concentrations in the air, leaving open the possibility of additional short-notice adjustments.
The closure adds to several days of disruption at Catania, where flights have repeatedly been suspended, extended or diverted as ash from Etna has affected operations across Sicily. The airport is the region’s busiest and the latest shutdown is set to prolong disruption for carriers, passengers and airport handlers already dealing with a fluctuating operating environment.