Etna eruption closes Sicily’s main airport again

Catania airport had to suspend operations after the volcano released a column of ash that reached 8 kilometers in altitude

Catania airport, the main airport in Sicily, had to suspend operations again this Tuesday (23). another eruption of Etna. It was the second time this month that the popular European summer destination had to halt air traffic as a safety measure due to large amounts of ash in the atmosphere.

According to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the ash column reached an altitude of 8 kilometers.

Second eruption only in July

Disruptions at Catania Airport due to Etna are a common occurrence, with airlines choosing to cancel flights or redirect them to nearby destinations, as appropriate.

Only in July 2024, it is already the second time that a situation like this has occurred. The precedent occurred on the 4th, when flights also had to be suspended due to excess ash in the air. Airport operations would then resume the following day.

Preliminary information from the INGV indicates that, after the first release of ash on Tuesday, the column had retreated and the particles had already returned to concentrate on the volcano itself, a sign that the airport could soon return to operation.

Etna

One of the most active volcanoes in the world and considered the largest in operation in EuropeEtna is the scene of frequent eruptions, which usually occur more than once a year. The rate at which lava is released from Etna is such that its altitude changes frequently depending on the accumulation of material deposited after eruptions.

Today, the mountain stands at 3,369 meters above sea level at its highest point, but a series of explosions in 2021 caused this measurement to immediately increase by 30 meters, demonstrating how extremely volatile the data is. The highest point of Etna also varies depending on the eruption, and can be on different sides of the mountain depending on the direction of the latest release of lava and ash.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.