Due to a volcanic eruption from Mount Etna, travel to and from the Italian island of Sicily is currently disrupted. The eruption has caused an ash cloud reaching 8km into the air, resulting in the closure of Catania international airport. Most departures have been cancelled, with some arrivals being diverted to other airports in Sicily.

The airport's management stated that the suspension of operations will lead to cancellations and rerouting to other airports. They reassured passengers that normal operations would resume once the ash fallout had ended. According to airline Aeroitalia, the airport is expected to remain closed until 6pm today (Tuesday). No flights are landing or departing at Catania, located on the east coast of the island. Flights are being diverted to Palermo and Comiso airports, while some have been cancelled altogether.

Local residents have reported hearing loud roars from Mount Etna, and the eruption has caused windows to shake. The airport authorities are advising passengers to check their flight's status before heading to the airport. Although no official numbers have been issued, the departure boards currently display cancelled flights until 4:10pm local time, without any updates provided for later flights.

Between 1pm and 3pm, five departures are being diverted to Palermo and one to Comiso. In terms of arrivals during the same time period, six are being redirected to Palermo, one to Comiso, and one to Trapani.

Passengers wondering about transfers will find that flights already in the air when Catania airport closed are being diverted to other airports in Sicily. The distance between Catania and Comiso airport is approximately two hours by car, while Palermo and Trapani, located on the west side of the island, require a four-to-five-hour drive. Car hire companies are available at Sicily's airports, and there are also coach services between the main cities.

Airlines are required to offer alternative flights or refunds if a flight is cancelled or delayed by more than three hours. However, most airlines will attempt to transport passengers to their final destination. Passengers are advised to have travel insurance to cover any unexpected expenses.

Despite Mount Etna's eruption, it is still considered safe to travel to Sicily. The majority of hotels and tourist accommodations remain open and operating normally, despite an ongoing drought. Travelers are urged to take precautions for hot weather, such as staying hydrated, seeking shade during the hottest hours of the day, and seeking medical attention if feeling unwell.

In conclusion, the volcanic eruption from Mount Etna has led to the closure of Catania airport, causing travel disruptions to and from Sicily. Passengers are advised to stay updated on their flights, consider alternative airports, and have travel insurance to mitigate any inconveniences caused by the eruption.