Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes, began a new phase of eruptive activity, sending plumes of ash into the atmosphere. Due to the resulting volcanic ash cloud, authorities at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport—the busiest airport in Sicily—announced a complete suspension of all flight arrivals and departures.

The closure has caused significant disruption for travelers, with hundreds of passengers currently stranded as airlines scramble to manage the situation. Airport officials have indicated that operations are expected to remain halted until at least Saturday afternoon, pending further assessment of the volcanic activity and safety conditions.

While the eruption is a recurring event for the region, the specific impact on air travel is determined by wind direction and the density of the ash, which can pose severe risks to aircraft engines. Local authorities continue to monitor the volcano's output to determine when it will be safe to resume normal operations. Travelers are being advised to check with their respective airlines for updates regarding rebooking or potential flight cancellations beyond the current window.