Catania

Ash spewing from Sicily’s Mount Etna has forced the closure of Catania airport for a fifth consecutive day during peak holiday week, stranding travelers. The ash poses risks to aircraft motors, leading to significant flight disruptions and the cancellation or diversion of hundreds of flights. The closures have resulted in increased travel costs, prompting consumer associations to file complaints about price gouging.

Sicily police are investigating an illegal horse race where spectators fired pistols and brandished Kalashnikov rifles, leading to the seizure of horses and questioning of several people. The race was filmed and posted on social media by animal rights activist Enrico Rizzi. The incident occurred in Palagonia, near Catania, in eastern Sicily.