Italy: Flight suspended at Sicily's Catania-Fontanarossa Airport through at least 18:00 Aug. 15 following eruption at Mount Etna

Officials have suspended all arrivals and departures at Sicily's Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) until at least 18:00 Aug. 15 following an explosive eruption of Mount Etna late Aug. 14. The eruption peaked around 23:00 Aug. 14 and produced an ash cloud that reached a height of around 9.5 km (5.9 miles), as well as lava flows and other pyroclastic material. Ashfall has been reported in the surrounding area and although activity has greatly decreased at Etna as of early Aug. 15, authorities at CTA are working to clear the runway of volcanic ash following the eruption.

Lingering disruptions are likely after regular flight operations resume as airlines work to clear passenger backlogs. Authorities could extend the flight suspension with little notice, especially if additional eruptions occur. Ground transport disruptions are also likely.