Etna Erupts: Sicily Flights Grounded for Days

Catania Airport, the primary gateway to Sicily, has extended its closure for passenger flights through 8 a.m. Friday due to the ongoing eruptions of Mount Etna. The volcanic activity has caused significant disruption since August 6, with approximately 1,000 flights canceled and 350 rerouted to other airports, affecting over 100,000 travelers. This emergency has led to widespread travel chaos, including passengers sleeping at airports and reliance on buses and trains. Rental car shortages have also driven up local transportation prices considerably. Other Sicilian airports like Palermo and Comiso are also experiencing increased traffic and some flight cancellations due to Etna's ash plumes. The disruption is projected to cost between €13 million and €24 million in tourist spending. Experts emphasize the need for a permanent planning body to better manage the impact of Etna's eruptions on Sicily's economy and image, which relies heavily on tourism accounting for 4.2% of its GDP.