Mount Etna ash forces flight suspension at Sicily's busy airport

All flights have been suspended at one of Italy’s busiest airports, with operations expected to remain halted until Tuesday night, officials announced early Wednesday. The decision, communicated by airport management and the civil aviation authority, applies to both arrivals and departures across all carriers serving the hub.

The suspension impacts thousands of passengers and disrupts scheduled services for major airlines, prompting the issuance of mass rebooking notices and refunds. Airlines are coordinating with ground staff to accommodate affected travelers, while airport authorities are monitoring the situation and preparing for a phased resumption of flights later in the week. Travelers are advised to stay in contact with their carriers for the latest updates on flight status and alternative arrangements.

The interruption underscores the vulnerability of Italy’s air transport network to operational disruptions, and authorities have urged passengers to remain flexible and to follow official communications for further developments. The airport is slated to resume normal operations by Tuesday night, pending clearance from relevant safety and regulatory bodies.