"Due to the eruptive activity of Mount Etna and the simultaneous emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere, [the] runway is unusable due to a significant fall of volcanic ash on the airfield, and therefore, both arrivals and departures have been suspended," the airport officials said.
"Passengers are therefore urged not to go to the airport without first checking the status of their flight with the airline," Catania airport advised in light of the disruption.
Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, has continually been monitored as it stands at just over 11,000 feet, with increased seismic activity reported since July.
The Italian Institute for Geophysics and Vulcanology (INGV) noted that Etna has shown increased seismic activity, prompting concerns and regular monitoring due to its nearly constant eruptions.
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