Etna erupts, people are too close to the lava for selfies: the ordinance is taken Video

The Etna volcano has triggered another round of flight suspensions at Catania Airport, with operations remaining halted until 2:00 AM on August 14. The decision follows heightened volcanic activity that has disrupted air traffic over several days, prompting authorities to extend airspace restrictions and suspend both arrivals and departures from the Vincenzo Bellini airport. According to the Sicilian Aeroporti Società Aerea (Sac), which manages the facility, the closure of sector B3 of the airspace has led to the temporary halt of flights, affecting thousands of travelers. Flight disruptions have been ongoing since August 8, during which approximately 700 connections were canceled or delayed at Catania. Of these, around 400 were outbound flights, with an additional 52 scheduled for cancellation today, according to data published on the airport’s website. The situation has intensified during the peak of the summer travel season, placing added pressure on Sicily’s aviation network. In response, more than 250 flights have been rerouted to other airports on the island, including Palermo, Trapani, and Comiso. Over 100 of these flights were diverted to Comiso alone, while nearly 50 were moved to Palermo and 22 to Trapani in a single day. The rerouting efforts have primarily impacted airlines operating the most frequent routes from Catania, such as Ryanair, easyJet, Ita Airways, and Wizz Air. Data from the Sac shows that 50 flights originally planned from Catania have been rescheduled, with 33 departing from Palermo, 14 from Trapani, and three from Comiso. For incoming flights, 40 have been redirected to Palermo, 12 to Trapani, and five to Comiso. These adjustments aim to minimize delays and ensure smoother operations despite the ongoing disruption. Meanwhile, local authorities have imposed stricter safety measures due to increased volcanic activity. An ordinance issued yesterday mandates that individuals remain at least 200 meters away from the active lava flow. This comes after reports of visitors attempting to take selfies near the lava front, prompting concerns over public safety. Access to the Rifugio Citelli, a nearby refuge, has also been restricted to limit exposure to potential hazards. Anna Quatrone, president of the Sac, confirmed that roughly 1,900 flights were originally scheduled to arrive at or depart from Catania. She noted that about 36 percent of these flights have been canceled, while approximately 630 have been redirected to alternative airports. The continued volatility of the Etna eruption underscores the challenges faced by regional transportation networks during periods of geological unrest. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and will reassess flight operations once conditions stabilize. Travelers affected by the disruptions are advised to check with their airlines for updated schedules and consider alternative travel arrangements. As the volcanic activity continues, the impact on air travel is expected to persist, with further changes likely in the coming days.