Around 200 flights to and from Sicily were disrupted after the eruption of Mount Etna forced nearby Catania airport to close.
Flight operations were suspended until 6am on Tuesday at the airport, around a 30 mile drive south of Europe’s tallest and most active volcano.
The airport said the disruption had been caused by “eruptive activity and fallout of volcanic ash”. Catania serves eastern Sicily and is the island’s second-largest airport.
There were 235 flights scheduled to arrive and depart from Catania airport on Monday, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. There were seven return flights scheduled from the UK, including easyJet services.
Passengers have been advised to check with airlines before heading to the airport on Tuesday.
The eruption began overnight on Sunday, spewing lava and ash high over the island. Although the lava flow subsided before dawn, Catania is carpeted in ash.
Seven Ryanair flights due to land at Catania on Monday morning were diverted to Trapani airport at the far west of Sicily.
The carrier told travellers: “Due to the eruption of Mount Etna, we would like to advise all passengers traveling to and from Catania on 14 August of possible delays, diversion or cancellations to flights.
“Affected passengers will be notified as soon as possible..Ryanair understands the disruptions to passengers resulting from delays, diversions, or cancellations; the situation is unfortunately outside of our control, and we thank you for your patience.”
EasyJet customers affected can transfer to another flight or opt to receive a refund, the company said.
British Airways said it was monitoring the situation and that passengers could rebook or take a refund.
