Catania airport reopens as Etna's ash retreats

Catania's airport reopened on Saturday after suspending flights for a week because of the volcanic eruption at nearby Mount Etna, according to The Local Italy. The closure, which began as ash spewed from Europe's largest active volcano, stranded hundreds of holidaymakers during the busiest travel week of the year.

France 24 reported that the airport had remained closed for five consecutive days, with authorities initially saying it would not reopen until early August 15. The eruption sent plumes of ash into the sky, grounding flights and forcing travellers to seek alternative arrangements across the island.

The reopening marks a tentative return to normal for Sicily's main air gateway, though the episode has underscored the fragility of the region's transport links in the face of natural disruption.