Israir suspends Sicily flights as Mount Etna eruption closes airspace

Israeli budget airline Israir has temporarily suspended its service to Catania in Sicily following a significant eruption of Mount Etna. The airline announced on Monday that airspace restrictions and flight closures at Catania airport have been imposed for all incoming and outgoing flights due to volcanic activity from Europe’s most active volcano.The company said it is maintaining continuous contact with airport authorities and awaiting updated guidance on when operations can resume. Israir has stressed it is ready to recommence flights to and from the Sicilian destination as soon as conditions permit, with hopes that services could resume as early as overnight should safety conditions improve.The temporary disruption affects travellers on one of Israir’s European routes. Mount Etna, located on the eastern coast of Sicily, frequently experiences volcanic activity that can impact regional air traffic. The airline has not yet provided specific details on the number of flights affected or estimated duration of the suspension.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.