Brit couple 'trapped' in Sicily seaside town as Mount Etna red warning issued and flights cancelled

A British couple found themselves stranded in a Sicilian seaside town after Mount Etna erupted and triggered a red warning, forcing the cancellation of their return flights. Barbara Krmelj, 35, and her partner Roy Barone, 46, were vacationing in the coastal town of Marina di Modica with Roy’s family when the volcanic activity disrupted their plans. The couple had planned to return to their home in Hackney, east London, on August 11, but their departure was abruptly halted when Mount Etna showed signs of activity. A red warning level was issued, prompting authorities to cancel flights from the island. The couple, who had arrived in Sicily to visit Roy’s parents, were forced to adjust their itinerary and extend their stay beyond the originally planned week. To accommodate the change, Barbara and Roy took additional time off work and arranged for temporary care for their two cats back in London. They remained with Roy’s family, staying in a small holiday home, while dealing with the financial strain of the unexpected circumstances. They anticipated needing to rebook their flights on August 17, but feared the possibility of further cancellations, which could add significantly to their expenses. Alternative flights were made available by the airline, but the couple estimated they might need to pay approximately £700 to switch airlines if their current booking was cancelled. They expressed concern about the rising costs, noting that the only available hotel option in the area would have cost over £2,000 for five nights due to the high demand during the Italian holiday period known as Ferragosto. The couple described the situation as frustrating, particularly since they had not purchased travel insurance before the trip. They noted that the local area was experiencing a steady flow of ash and visible eruptions from Mount Etna, adding to the sense of unease. Despite these challenges, they continued to explore the town and enjoy the beaches, though they admitted the once-relaxing holiday had become a source of stress. Barbara and Roy shared that they had encountered difficulties in finding accommodation, with limited availability and exorbitant prices. They mentioned seeing other tourists struggling with similar issues, including people sleeping at the airport and being unable to find space to organize themselves when attempting to rebook flights. They were grateful for the hospitality of Roy’s parents, who offered them shelter during the disruption. Financial concerns loomed large, with the couple estimating they could end up spending over £1,000 in total if they needed to rebook flights. They relied on credit cards to cover unexpected expenses, but warned they were cautious about how much more they could afford to spend. Despite the setbacks, they still praised the location and recommended the area to others, acknowledging that the holiday had taken an unexpected turn.