Due to the eruption of Mount Etna and the resulting smoke cloud, we were forced to cancel some flights to and from Catania on Friday, July 5, and are monitoring potential disruptions for other flights," the announcement by the Polish Press Agency stated. Passengers affected by the canceled flights were informed via email.
"They should also monitor the Ryanair app for the latest flight information," advised the airline.
"We regret any inconvenience caused to passengers by the volcanic eruption. This is beyond our control and affects all airlines operating flights to and from Catania on Friday, July 5," assured Ryanair, the low-cost Irish airline operating in 13 airports across Poland.
Due to the activity of Mount Etna in Sicily, the airport in Catania, one of the main airports on the Italian island, was closed on Friday. Warnings also extend to the island of Stromboli.
The closure was necessary due to volcanic ash in the air, according to the company managing the Catania airport. The airport is tentatively scheduled to reopen on Friday at 3 PM.
During the night of July 4th to 5th, 2024, Mount Etna erupted, spewing lava visible from near Fornazzo on the island of Sicily, Italy.
The eruption's ash blanketed streets, sidewalks, cars, balconies, and all outdoor areas in the vicinity with a thin layer, and even caused the Catania airport to close its airspace.
Etna eruption and Stromboli activity covers Sicily region in ashes.
Source: PAP
(mp)