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

A renewed eruption of Mount Etna in Sicily on July 6 caused significant disruptions to air traffic around Catania, leading to the cancellation of an Israir flight to Tel Aviv. The volcanic ash cloud reached approximately 1.5 kilometers in height, prompting temporary airspace restrictions south of the volcano and affecting operations at Catania Airport.

Israeli tourists scheduled to fly with Israir were sent back to their hotel and told to await further updates. One passenger described initially perceiving the eruption as a beautiful natural event, only to realize its impact when their flight was canceled. Alternative travel options were offered, including a ten-hour drive to Rome or Palermo to catch other flights, but passengers remained uncertain about their next steps.

Airport officials explained that ash particles in the air created hazardous "sparks," preventing flights from operating safely at this time. They expressed hope that after reassessment later in the evening, flights including the one to Israel might resume. The eruption occurred near the eastern upper area of the Voragine crater, with the ash cloud moving south and southeast, triggering the temporary airspace closure.

Israeli travelers remain stranded in Sicily as authorities monitor the volcanic activity and its effects on air travel, awaiting further developments that could allow flights to resume.