Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, the primary aviation hub on the island of Sicily, has suspended all flight operations for the fifth day in a row. The closure is a direct result of ongoing volcanic activity from Mount Etna, which has deposited significant amounts of ash across the airport's runways and surrounding airspace.

Local aviation authorities have maintained the closure to ensure passenger safety, as volcanic ash can cause severe damage to aircraft engines and visibility. The timing of the disruption is particularly impactful, as it coincides with a peak travel week for tourists visiting the region. While the airport remains shut, travelers are being advised to check with their respective airlines for updates on cancellations, rebooking options, or potential diversions to other Sicilian airports such as Palermo or Comiso.

There is currently no definitive timeline for when operations will resume, as the reopening depends entirely on the intensity of the volcanic activity and the speed at which maintenance crews can clear the ash from the infrastructure. The situation remains fluid, with officials monitoring the volcano's output around the clock to determine when it is safe to resume commercial air traffic.