Flights to and from Catania in Italy’s Sicily region were halted after the nearby Mt. Etna erupted on Sunday, May 21, 2023.
Flights in and out of the port city and tourist favorite Catania, on Sicily’s east coast, are suspended until 9 am local time on Monday (today) or until they can guarantee safe conditions, the airport said on Twitter.
The city of Adrano was also affected, with many cars and roads covered with ash, it added.
Mount Etna is an active volcano located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. It is the tallest active volcano in Europe, standing at over 3,329 meters (10,922 feet) tall. It is known for its frequent eruptions, which can release lava, ash, and gas. Despite its dangers, Mount Etna is also a popular tourist destination and is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna. Its rich volcanic soil also makes it an important agricultural area, particularly for citrus fruits and vineyards producing wines like the famous Etna Rosso. (AA)