Etna Volcano Eruption Cancels Israir Flight From Sicily, Stranding Israeli Tourists

A renewed eruption of Mount Etna in Sicily caused significant disruptions to air traffic, including the cancellation of an Israir flight to Tel Aviv on Monday morning. The volcanic ash cloud reached approximately 1.5 kilometers above the summit, prompting temporary airspace restrictions around Catania and affecting the local airport's operations.

Israir passengers were informed of the cancellation upon arrival at the airport and were sent back to their hotel to await further updates. One passenger, Shahar, told N12 that initially tourists found the volcanic activity visually striking but soon realized it impacted their travel plans. Alternative options offered included traveling to Rome or Palermo to catch other flights, but uncertainty remains about when flights will resume.

Airport officials explained that the ash and airborne particles create hazardous "sparks" in the air, preventing safe flight operations at this time. They hope to reassess the situation later Monday evening to possibly resume flights, including those to Israel. The eruption occurred in the upper eastern area of the Voragine crater, with the ash cloud moving south and southeast, leading to the imposed airspace restrictions.

Israeli tourists remain stranded in Sicily as they await further information on flight resumptions amid ongoing volcanic activity at Mount Etna.