Europe’s most active volcano has been putting on a stunning lava show but what does it mean for travellers?
ADVERTISEMENTMount Etna, the tallest and most active volcano in Europe, is currently erupting, leaving travellers bound for the Italian island of Sicily worried.
The latest eruption began on 11 February, sending a plume of ash and lava into the air visible from miles around.
The eruption is from the volcano’s south-east crater, called Bocca Nuova, meaning ‘new mouth’.
A 3-km river of lava is flowing out of the crater.
During previous eruptions, nearby towns have been covered in black volcanic ash however this eruption has caused minimal disruption.
Tourists and locals have continued to hike on the volcano during the eruption. Read on for details on how to hike Mount Etna safely.
Catania airport: Is the airport closest to Mount Etna closed?
Catania airport stands at the foot of Mount Etna, giving departing and arriving passengers a spectacular view of the volcano.
Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, also known as Vincenzo Bellini Airport, on the island’s east coast, is Sicily’s most popular airport with international tourists.
On 12 February, part of Catania airport was closed due to reduced visibility from the ash.
However, the airport has not been closed since and flights are currently operating as normal.
Despite this, the airport’s management has advised passengers to check their flight status with their airline before leaving home.
You can check airline’s apps or websites for the most up to date information, as well as their social media channels. Also keep an eye on the email account with which you made the booking as your airline or booking platform may contact you to advise you of changes.
Check Catania airport departures and arrivals here.
Mount Etna: Will passengers be able to claim compensation?
In case Catania airport flights are disrupted again, airlines are required to offer you another flight or a refund is a flight is cancelled or delayed by more than three hours.
However, this is only when they could have prevented the disruption. In the case of a volcanic eruption, it is not their fault.
ADVERTISEMENTBut in most cases airlines will still endeavour to get passengers to their final destination.
It’s always wise to have travel insurance as you may be able to claim back for unexpected expenses.
Is it safe to travel to Sicily when Mount Etna is erupting?
Yes, it is still safe to travel to Sicily, even when Mount Etna is erupting.
Local authorities and residents are used to dealing with Mount Etna eruptions. For the last five years, it has been erupting multiple times every year. Despite this, tourism to Sicily has only been on the rise.
ADVERTISEMENTWhere is Mount Etna and is it dangerous?
Mount Etna is on the east coast of the Italian island of Sicily.
It is Europe’s most active volcano
Although Mt Etna erupts frequently, lava has not reached nearby towns since the 1800s.
Etna more than 200 craters and when one of these does erupt, black volcanic ash lands in the city of Catania, as its foot, and the many surrounding towns and villages. This is inconvenient to residents but usually not a problem for visitors.
ADVERTISEMENTEven during an eruption, there are many hiking trails and paths that are still safe, though it is a legal requirement to go up with a qualified mountain guide.
