00:00Catania's Vincenzo Bellini Airport remains closed for the second consecutive day due
00:06to ash emissions from Mount Etna. The Sicilian Airport announced a closure in a notice posted
00:13on its website in which travelers are also urged to, quote, check with their airline
00:18for the status of their flight before heading to the airport. While traces of volcanic activity
00:24remain visible in the sky, the suspension of all flights, which was initially scheduled to end
00:30at noon on Sunday, was extended until midnight. According to media reports, the incident triggered
00:36a domino effect at other Sicilian airports, which became congested with diverted aircraft and emergency
00:44landings. Transport unions described the situation as total chaos, pointing the finger at organizational
00:52shortcomings. Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano, frequently disrupts flights
00:59at Catania, but ash emissions have been particularly intense this summer, affecting thousands of travelers
01:06during the peak holiday season.
