Is it safe to travel to Sicily as Mount Etna erupts? | World News
Catania Airport in Sicily is closed until at least 8pm tonight, as Mount Etna erupts, spewing lava and coating the Italian city in ash.
Mayor Enrico Trantino has banned the use of motorcycles and bicycles in Catania for the next 48 hours, because many streets are covered in slippery ash, and ordered cars to drive no faster than 30 kph (19 mph).
So far more than 45 flights have been cancelled, with long queues forming at Catania arport, and authorities warn that there could be further disruption.
The news follows wildfires across Italy, and Sicily was among the areas worst affected by the heatwave – being brought to its knees by heat-related power cuts, with temperatures as high as 47.5°C.
An eruption in 2021 also closed Catania Airport, and it was struck by a fire in mid-July, which left Terminal A closed for three weeks, with cancellations and diversions.
Given the latest eruption, it is safe to travel Sicily right now?
Here’s what you need to know.
Is it safe to travel to Sicily?
The Foreign Office is not currently advising against travel to Sicily.
This means that flights and holidays to Sicily can go ahead. Palermo’s airport is still operating as usual, and is located around five hours by car from Catania. Some flights are being diverted there.
However, anyone visiting the island should be aware of the short-term ban on motorbikes and bikes in Catania, and of the 30kph reduced speed limit there for cars.
If you’re due to fly to Catania, check with your airline and be prepared for delays and cancellations.
If you’re wondering whether a flight cancellation might equal a refund, you can check out Metro.co.uk’s guide here.
However, airlines have a duty of care to look after passengers so they should offer you alternative flights or a refund if your flights are cancelled.
They should also offer the option of a refund when a flight is delayed for five hours or more.
However, if you choose not to travel, then airlines are not obliged to refund you, and most holiday insurance policy claims will only pay out under certain circumstances, such as family bereavement or illness.
That said, it is possible an insurance policy would cover you if you have a pre-exisiting medical condition which would be negatively affected by the eruption.
Airlines do not usually offer compensation in the event of extreme weather.
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