Mount Etna Erupts, Affecting Travel in Sicily
Sicily's Volcanic Eruption on Mount Etna: Is It Secure to Visit Sicily and Are Flights Affected?
Europe's most active and tallest volcano, Mount Etna, has erupted once again, sending plumes of smoke high into the sky. This latest eruption has left tourists scrambling and authorities scrambling to maintain calm and control.
Onlookers shared dramatic footage of the event on social media, capturing the intense volcanic cloud chasing tourists down the mountain's side. The eruption commenced around 3:50 am local time, following a series of volcanic tremors that started at midnight[1]. Volcanologists report a series of growing-intensity strombolian explosions at the volcano[1].
Footage from surveillance cameras also showed a pyroclastic flow—an avalanche of hot rock, ash, and gas—at approximately 11:30 am local time. This flow is believed to have originated from the northern flank of the South-East Crater[1]. Fortunately, it appears not to have crossed the edge of the Valle del Leone, a valley located at the foot of Etna's summit craters[1].
Etna, with its history of frequent eruptions dating back 3,000 years, last erupted in February, causing minor travel disruptions, including temporary closures at Catania Airport[1].
Air Traffic and Catania Airport
Situated at the foot of Mount Etna, Catania-Fontanarossa Airport offers passengers stunning views of the volcano. This Sicilian hub is the region's most popular airport with international tourists[4]. In response to the eruption, the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Toulouse, France, issued a red aviation warning[4]. However, this has since been downgraded to an orange warning, allowing Catania Airport to remain fully operational[4]. Delays have mainly affected a few inbound flights from Rome, Milan, and Berlin[4].
Passengers are strongly encouraged to verify their flight status with their airline before leaving home and stay informed about updates on the airport's website[4].
Insurance and Compensation
In case of flight disruptions, airlines are obligated to provide passengers with alternative flights or refunds if a flight is cancelled or delayed by more than three hours. However, this only applies when the disruption could have been avoided[5]. In the current scenario, the fault does not lie with the airlines, making it less likely for passengers to receive compensation.
It's always prudent to have travel insurance as it may cover unexpected expenses[5].
Safety During Eruption
Despite the ongoing eruptions, it is still safe to visit Sicily[6]. Authorities and locals have become accustomed to dealing with Etna's eruptions, and tourism in the region has been growing steadily[6].
Lava has not reached nearby towns since the 1800s, although black ash from the volcano occasionally falls in Catania and surrounding areas[6]. Some adventurous travelers might choose to climb the volcano to witness the spectacle of an eruption, but authorities urge tourists to maintain a safe distance[6].
The mayor of Catania has assured residents and visitors that everything is under control[6].
Related* Travel Destinations in Sicily + Lemon-scented hikes: Explore the delightful villagess in Sicily as you hike beneath blossoming lemon trees.* Volcanic Winemaking: Take a trip to the vineyards that grow grapes near active volcanoes for a unique wine-tasting experience.* Insurance Coverage: make sure your travel insurance covers unexpected events like volcanic eruptions to protect your trip from disruptions.
[1]https://www.stern.de/nachrichten/welt/etna-ausbruch-italien-mount-etna-eruption-ascari-vulkanausbruch-2022-nachrichten-10069093.html[2]http://www.unicatt.it/alp/Comunicato/Pagina/News-in-id-65281-Mt-Etna-eruptions-continue-in-Sicily-Euromec.aspx[3]https://www.politico.eu/article/italy-mount-etna-eruption-volcano-catania-airport-ash-cloud/[4]https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/catania-airport-etna-eruption-travel-disruption/index.html[5]https://www.gov.uk/volcanic-ash-clouds-and-travel-disruption[6]https://www.voanews.com/a/volcanic-eruption-on-mount-etna-in-italy-draws-tourists-and-concern-1697412594.html
The eruption of Mount Etna impacts not only the lifestyle of the locals in Sicily but also the travel plans of tourists due to possible flight disruptions, including delays at Catania Airport. As a result, travelers are encouraged to verify their flight status and have travel insurance that covers unexpected events like volcanic eruptions.
