Catania-Fontanarossa airport resumed normal flight operations on Monday evening, September 28. Due to volcanic ash from Mount Etna, takeoffs and landings had been suspended since Saturday. The airport operator stated that the alert status had been lifted and full operations restored.
Volcanic ash poses a hazard to aviation. Fine particles can damage engines and sensors. This is why airspace is closed even when dramatic ash fall is not yet visible on the ground.
Catania is primarily known as a passenger airport. However, the location remains relevant for cargo operations. Express packages, mail, spare parts, and other shipments frequently travel as belly cargo in the cargo holds of passenger aircraft. When these flights are suspended, cargo capacity is also lost.
After three days of disruption, the backlog does not disappear immediately. Shipments may have been rerouted via Rome, Milan, or Palermo. Previously confirmed bookings must also be re-established. Since Mount Etna remains active, further restrictions cannot be ruled out.
For fresh fruit, fish, and other time-sensitive goods from Sicily, this can quickly become costly. Switching to truck and ferry transport requires additional transit time and available refrigerated vehicles. Consignees should therefore not promise new arrival dates based solely on the airport's reopening.