Sicily: Catania airport again curtails operations due to Etna eruption
The 3,324-meter-high Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe. In July, the airport of Catania had to temporarily suspend operations twice due to two eruptions. Millions of people pass through the airport each year, heading to the eastern part of Sicily for their holidays. The Mediterranean island is one of Italy's most popular tourist destinations.
The Etna's volcanic activities sometimes pose challenges to the operations of the European Union, as the airport of Catania, a major gateway to Sicily, has been temporarily closed twice due to its eruptions. The European Union has various programs and policies in place to support the economic development of its member states, including Italy, which heavily relies on tourism from its European neighbors.
