Catania airport has been operating under difficult conditions for the fifth day, with an estimated 30,000 people affected. Some spent the night at the airport, and shuttle rides to Palermo are going for up to 700 euros.
The eruption of Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, has caused a major transport collapse in Sicily at the height of the tourist season. Due to the ash cloud, the island's largest airport in Catania has severely limited operations, leaving thousands of passengers, including many foreign tourists, in limbo.
According to information on the airport's website, landings have been suspended as a precaution until Tuesday evening at 7 PM. Although takeoffs have not been officially halted, they are subject to significant delays and cancellations. The situation is so severe that only a single aircraft was able to depart on Tuesday morning, and it was on a domestic flight.
Air traffic has been disrupted for the fifth consecutive day since the volcano erupted on Friday. Authorities make decisions on closures based on wind direction and ash concentration, often at very short notice. The Catania airport is currently under the highest alert level, red, which means an eruption with significant ash emission is imminent or already underway. On Tuesday, the airport extended the suspension of all arrivals and departures until Wednesday at 11 AM, and more than 200 flights had to be diverted or completely canceled.
According to Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), dense lava flows are emerging from two vents at altitudes of 2,360 and 2,750 meters. During the night, a new vent opened at an altitude of about 1,900 meters, further complicating the situation. The volcano, which rises to over 3,300 meters above sea level, is under constant monitoring due to its frequent activity. The ash cloud has spread beyond Sicily and reached Malta on Tuesday, about 220 kilometers to the south, forcing the airport there to cancel flights.
It is estimated that around 30,000 people are currently affected. Many tourists vacationing in Sicily have been forced to extend their stay. However, accommodation on the island is fully booked, leading some passengers to spend the night at the airport. Passengers report that staff are overwhelmed and airline assistance is insufficient. The engines of many aircraft parked at the airport must be protected, and runways must be frequently cleaned of accumulated ash.
The desperate situation of some tourists is being exploited. Italian actor Filippo Laganà reported on Instagram that shuttle services from Catania to Palermo, a route of about 200 kilometers, are charging up to 700 euros.
Alternative rail transport offers no relief either. The direct train link between Catania and Palermo is suspended due to works, and trains on the longer route via Messina are completely overcrowded. There is equal congestion on international trains to Rome, where it is easier to catch international flights. Catania airport normally serves over 12 million passengers annually, making it the fifth busiest in Italy. Passengers with planned flights from Catania or Malta are advised to check the status of their journey before heading to the airport.
