A MAJOR European airport continues to be impacted by a volcanic eruption.
Catania Airport in Sicily, Italy has has faced hundreds of cancellations and delays, as well as a multi-day closure over the past week.
It has since issued yet another travel warning this morning as Mount Etna continues to cause travel disruption.
In the latest statement on the airport’s website, it says: “Due to Etna’s eruptive activity, the closure of the airspace corresponding to Sector B1 has been extended.
“Arriving flight operations have been restored to 12 aircraft per hour until 6:00 PM today, 18 August.
“There are no restrictions on departures. Passengers are kindly advised to check the status of their flight with their airline before heading to the airport.
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“Further updates will follow.”
While the airport is now open, Etna is still erupting with a new lava flow emerging just yesterday.
Cancellations today include a flight due to land at 12pm from Manchester Airport.
While most flights remain ‘scheduled’ according to the airport’s website, as the day progresses delays could emerge.
Last week, cancellations at the airport saw passengers stranded with some even sleeping on luggage belts.
Numerous other flights were diverted to Palermo Airport, also in Sicily.
There were also disruptions at Malta International Airport last week, as an ash cloud caused by Etna travelled across the country.
What does the disruption due to Mount Etna mean for passengers?
Anton Radchenko, air passenger rights expert and founder and CEO of AirAdvisor, explained what the disruption means for customers…
“When volcanic ash closes airspace, airlines will usually class it as an extraordinary circumstance, which means fixed cash compensation is unlikely.
“However, I would urge passengers not to confuse ‘no compensation’ with ‘no rights’.
“The airline must still offer a refund or rerouting and provide reasonable meals, accommodation and transport while passengers wait.
“If you still need to get home, do not automatically accept a refund.
“Once you accept it, the airline’s rerouting and care obligations will normally end.
“Ask for the earliest reasonable alternative and, if another airline can get you back significantly sooner, ask to be transferred to that service.
“If you have to pay for reasonable essentials because the airline fails to provide them, keep every itemised receipt so you can seek reimbursement.”
This is supported by the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s current cancellation guidance which you can find here.