Etna volcanic ash cloud disrupts air travel across Mediterranean
13 oC
13 oC
Güneşli
13 oC
Güneşli
Volcanic activity at Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, has sent a large ash cloud beyond Sicily, disrupting air traffic across parts of the Mediterranean as winds carried volcanic particles toward Malta and the northern coast of Libya.
The ongoing eruptions from the volcano in Sicily have released ash into the atmosphere, which has been carried south and southwest by prevailing winds.
Ash cloud affects aviation
According to data from the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), the ash cloud moved southward from Etna, with the highest concentrations recorded between southeastern Sicily and Malta.
Lower-density ash extended from areas east of Malta toward northern Libya, prompting aviation authorities to maintain a red alert level due to potential risks to aircraft.
The Malta Meteorological Service warned that wind conditions could continue to carry volcanic ash toward the islands.
Fine layers of volcanic ash were reported on vehicles, rooftops and balconies in some areas of Malta.
Flights suspended in Sicily and Malta
The ash cloud forced the temporary suspension of flight operations at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, one of Sicily’s main transportation hubs.
Hundreds of flights have been canceled or diverted over the past week as volcanic ash affected operations at Catania Airport. Alternative airports, including Palermo, Comiso and Trapani, were used to handle redirected flights.
Around 700 flights were reported to have been canceled or affected. Airport authorities advised passengers to check the latest flight information with airlines before traveling.
The disruption also spread to Malta International Airport, where flights experienced delays and cancellations after the ash cloud reached the island.
Volcanic activity continues
The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) said aviation risks remain due to continued activity at Mount Etna.
The volcano has produced lava flows and ash emissions from different areas, while aviation warnings remain in place as monitoring continues.(ILKHA)
LEGAL WARNING: All rights of the published news, photos and videos are reserved by İlke Haber Ajansı Basın Yayın San. Trade A.Ş. Under no circumstances can all or part of the news, photos and videos be used without a written contract or subscription.
Nearly 1,800 residents have been evacuated from the Hürtgenwald area in western Germany after a rapidly spreading wildfire approached a village in the Eifel region, authorities said Friday.
A growing mental health crisis is being reported aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, as roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines endure an exceptionally prolonged deployment amid ongoing US military operations in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia has officially launched a multinational maritime defense coalition involving representatives from 39 countries to strengthen maritime security and protect trade and energy routes in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden.
