Mount Etna eruption sparks UK travel warning as Sicily flights disrupted

Brits heading to Italy have been warned to check their flights before setting off after Mount Etna erupted again, sending volcanic ash into the skies above Sicily and causing major disruption at one of the island’s busiest airports.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice after authorities raised the alert level around the huge volcano, which towers over the east coast of Sicily.

Catania Airport, around 25 miles from Mount Etna, was hit by repeated shutdowns as ash made flying unsafe, with arrivals and departures cancelled, delayed or diverted.

The airport has since reopened following the latest disruption, but travellers are being warned that further volcanic activity could cause fresh problems.

The FCDO said: “Due to volcanic activity, the local authorities have increased the alert level for Mount Etna.”

It added: “In the event of a volcanic eruption, follow the advice of local authorities.”

Crucially for anyone with a Sicily holiday booked, officials warn that flights into and out of Catania “may be cancelled, delayed or re-routed to Palermo or Comiso”.

Passengers are being urged to check directly with their airline or travel provider before travelling to the airport.

The disruption began over the weekend after Mount Etna pumped volcanic ash into the atmosphere. Catania Airport suspended flight operations as conditions deteriorated, leaving passengers facing cancellations and diversions.

Anyone caught near falling volcanic ash is also being advised to take precautions.

Italy’s Civil Protection Department recommends staying indoors where possible when ash clouds are present. People who do have to go outside should consider wearing a protective mask and glasses to reduce exposure.

Ash can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, while anyone who gets volcanic ash in their eyes is advised not to rub them and instead rinse them thoroughly with water.

Mount Etna is Europe’s largest active volcano and eruptions regularly cause problems for flights around Catania.

There is currently no FCDO advice telling Britons not to travel to Sicily, but holidaymakers are being urged to keep a close eye on flight information and official warnings before starting their journey.