Caption: Mount Etna eruption still causing flight chaosrex/ splash
Mount Etna’s eruption continues to cause chaos at airports in Sicily, dashing the hopes of holidaymakers.
Catania International Airport finally reopened at 6am this morning to the delight of many passengers who were stranded there for almost 24 hours.
But cancellations of flights and delays continue today, affecting airlines including KLM, Ryanair and easyJet.
At least 12 trips scheduled for this afternoon have been axed and further delays have already been announced.
People were drawing on the ash covering restaurant tables (Picture: SplashNews.com)
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The airport was due to reopen at 8pm yesterday, but this was postponed to 6am today.
People stranded in Italy after the volcanic eruption and others awaiting to board planes to Catania have taken their frustration on social media.
TUI UK and WizzAir are some of the companies criticised for the slow response on the ground.
Passengers were urged to check with airlines before heading to the airport today.
Beaches in Catania also had a layer of ash on them (Pictue: SplashNews.com)
People were ordered to drive no faster than 19mph because of the conditions (Picture: SplashNews.com)
The 10,925ft-high volcano burst overnight on Monday, spewing hot lava over the Mediterranean island.
The lava flow subsided before dawn, but ash was still coming from one of Mount Etna’s craters.
Staff were seen clearing volcanic ash from the runways at the airport in the early hours of this morning.
With many streets covered, Catania’s mayor Enrico Trantino banned the use of motorbikes and bikes for 48 hours.
People were also ordered to drive no faster than 19mph due to the conditions.
Cars and the rooftops of buildings can also be seen with a thick layer of grey ash on top.
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At least 12 flights have bee cancelled today.