VOLCANIC ASH DISRUPTS FLIGHTS AT CATANIA AIRPORT UNTIL AUGUST 13 AT 4 PM Flights at Catania’s Vincenzo Bellini Airport remain suspended until 4 pm on August 13 due to ongoing volcanic activity at Mount Etna, according to the airport management company, SAC. This decision extends previous restrictions that have already disrupted air traffic in Sicily over the past several days. From August 8 to 11, approximately 700 flights were either canceled, missed, or rerouted, with more than 250 flights redirected to other airports on the island, including Palermo, Trapani, and Comiso. The suspension of flights affects both arrivals and departures from Catania, with the closure of airspace sectors B3 and parts of C1 due to the presence of volcanic ash in the atmosphere. The prolonged disruption has placed additional pressure on the regional aviation system during the peak summer travel season. According to SAC, around 400 outbound flights have been canceled since the beginning of the crisis, while another 52 were canceled on August 12 alone. Additionally, 50 flights originally scheduled to depart from Catania on August 13 have been moved to other airports. Of these, 33 will depart from Palermo, 14 from Trapani, and three from Comiso. On the arrival side, 40 flights are being diverted to Palermo, 12 to Trapani, and five to Comiso. Major airlines operating frequent services from Catania, such as Ryanair, easyJet, Ita Airways, and Wizz Air, have been significantly impacted by the changes in flight schedules. These adjustments have forced passengers to deal with logistical challenges, including limited transportation options between Catania and the alternative airports. Reports indicate that bus routes are overcrowded, rental cars are scarce, and taxi fares have risen sharply, complicating the movement of stranded travelers. The situation has also raised concerns among local tourism operators and hoteliers who fear a ripple effect of cancellations and reduced visitor numbers. Some local politicians have criticized SAC for its handling of the crisis, arguing that while the volcano's activity cannot be controlled, the management of air traffic should be more robust. Meanwhile, the regional government has announced new resources to address the issue, and Fiavet Sicilia has called for the establishment of a permanent task force to manage future aviation emergencies. The volcanic activity itself continues to evolve. A new eruptive fissure was identified early on August 13 in the Valle del Bove area of Mount Etna, producing lava flows. The INGV observatory noted that emissions of ash continue from the Voragine crater, spreading southeastward. Seismic monitoring shows that the average amplitude of volcanic tremors reached a maximum around 7:40 pm on August 12 before slightly decreasing, though remaining within high levels. Tremor sources are located near the Voragine crater at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters. Separately, a tragic incident occurred on the volcano when a 30-year-old American tourist was struck by lightning and killed while hiking in restricted areas. The individual had attempted to approach the summit of Etna despite warnings against entering prohibited zones. Firefighters discovered him via helicopter in critical condition and transported him to the Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania, where he later died from cardiac and respiratory arrest. The ongoing disruptions at Catania Airport highlight the complex interplay between natural phenomena and human infrastructure. As the volcanic activity continues, the situation remains fluid, with further updates expected as conditions change.
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