Ash Clouds and Airport Lockdown: Italy's Catania Struggles to Contain the Fury of Mount Etna The snow capped peak of Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, has been spewing forth a plume of smoke and ash that's disrupted air travel in Italy.
The suspension of arriving flights at Catania International Airport is a stark reminder that even with modern technology and expert monitoring, Mother Nature can still throw a wrench into our carefully planned itineraries.
The airport's decision to close its airspace due to volcanic ash in the atmosphere is not unusual given Etna's reputation for periodic outbursts.