Etna volcanolocated on the island of Sicily (south) and considered the most active in Europe, today registered a new eruption of lava that also ejected a cloud of ash over the city of Catania, which has forced close its airport in the middle of the high tourist season.
“Due to the eruptive activity of Etna, the Catania airport has been closed,” the aerodrome manager announced in a statement, asking passengers to check with their airline for possible changes or diversions, also on arrival flights . The reopening is expected for this afternoon, although it is subject to modifications.
The closure of the aerodrome coincides with the start of the holidays on August 15, which in Italy is popularly known as “Ferragosto”, and with the island of Sicily as one of the favorite destinations for Italians and foreigners in the summer .
Etna crosses frequent eruptions that often cover the surrounding Sicilian cities with ash, the last one in May.
The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) confirmed the activity, which “became a lava source”, producing an eruptive cloud dispersed by southerly winds, as well as a diversion of lava flow to the south of the crater at an altitude of 2,800 meters.