**Title: Ash from Mount Etna Grounds Flights at Sicily Airport**
Catania, Sicily – All flights at Catania International Airport, one of Italy's busiest airports, have been suspended due to volcanic ash emitted from the nearby Mount Etna. This disruption marks the second instance in recent months that the airport has halted operations because of volcanic activity from Europe’s tallest active volcano.
The suspension of flights, which began on Monday, is expected to last until 22:00 local time (20:00 GMT) on Tuesday, according to airport officials. The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) Etneo Observatory issued a red aviation alert on Monday, indicating heightened volcanic activity and the potential hazards posed to air traffic.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Catania International Airport, which ranks as Italy's fifth-busiest airport by passenger traffic, informed travelers that updates regarding the situation would be provided as they become available. They also advised passengers to check with their airlines for the latest information before heading to the airport.
Catania International Airport typically serves around 12 million passengers annually. However, the airport faced a significant closure last month during the peak summer season, which lasted almost a week due to similar volcanic activity from Mount Etna. The volcano, which stands at an elevation of 3,324 meters (10,906 feet), is located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the airport.
Despite the ongoing disruptions to air travel, Mount Etna remains a popular tourist attraction, drawing approximately 1.5 million visitors each year. The recent eruptions have captivated many onlookers, with large crowds gathering to witness the natural spectacle of lava flows.
As the situation continues to develop, authorities are considering the implications of Mount Etna's proximity to the airport and other facilities in Sicily. There have been discussions regarding the potential need for expanded infrastructure to accommodate the challenges posed by the active volcano.
Travelers are urged to stay informed about the status of flights and to remain flexible with their travel plans as the situation evolves. Further updates from Catania International Airport will be communicated as more information becomes available.