Catania international airport in Sicily has closed again due to ash emissions from Mount Etna. The volcanic activity forced authorities to suspend operations at the region's main airport.
This new episode of Etna instability follows the serious problems recorded in August, when hundreds of flights had to be cancelled or diverted. The closure occurred during the peak summer holiday season, causing major disruption to travellers.
Mount Etna is Europe's highest active volcano and one of the main sources of air traffic disruption in Italy. Its frequent eruptions and the consequent dispersal of volcanic ash represent a recurring challenge for civil aviation in the region.
