Catania Airport reopens after Mount Etna eruption shutdown

Catania Airport in Sicily has resumed operations after a Mount Etna volcanic eruption forced the suspension of flights.

The two-day closure of Sicily’s busiest airport led to flights cancellations, diversions and delays.

Passengers are being “strongly advised” to check the status of their flight with the airline before heading to the airport.

Flights were suspended on July 5 and 6, with dozens diverted to Palermo Airport.

Catania Airport, which is located around 45km away from Mount Etna, is served by airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, KLM and Lufthansa.

An airport statement said: “Following the downgrade of the volcanic activity alert level from red to orange, flight operations have been cleared to resume with immediate effect.

“Airspace sectors are now fully operational again, and all take-off and landing services have been restored.”