Catastrophic scenes unfolded overnight at Catania Airport in Sicily as Mount Etna erupted, spewing ash into the sky and prompting a red alert from Italy's Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA). Europe's most active volcano, located just 29 miles from the airport, produced towering plumes of ash reaching an observed height of 4,500 metres.
The eruption has brought air travel in the region to a grinding halt, with all flights suspended until at least 2pm on July 6th. Airlines popular with UK travellers – including Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, British Airways, and Wizz Air – are among those heavily impacted by the disruptions.
Passengers due to travel to or from Catania are advised not to head to the airport without first verifying their flight status directly with their airline. Many flights have been cancelled or diverted to alternative airports across Sicily, including Palermo, Cosimo, and Trapani, as well as further afield to Rome and Vienna.
Palermo Airport reported handling 33 additional flights on Sunday and expected another 17 on Monday, while the situation at Catania remains fluid. Airlines are working to manage the backlog of passengers affected by the eruption.
For UK travellers whose flights have been cancelled, they can expect airlines to provide accommodation and meals (often via vouchers) until their transport is reinstated. Alternatively, passengers can request a full refund. However, it's essential to note that compensation for delays or cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances – such as volcanic eruptions – may not be awarded under UK consumer law.