PALERMO: Catania’s Vincenzo Bellini International Airport in Sicily, Italy, has been closed, and all flights suspended until Wednesday following a massive fire that broke out on Sunday night. The fire, which originated on the ground floor and spread to the departures terminal on the second floor, led to the evacuation of the airport. Although no injuries were reported, some individuals were treated for smoke inhalation and shock.
Initially, it was announced that the airport would be closed until Monday morning, but authorities have now extended the closure until Wednesday at 2 pm. The exact impact on flight operations, whether all flights or only some, remains unclear. In the meantime, incoming flights are being diverted to other airports on the island, including Palermo, Trapani, and Comiso.
Comiso Airport Accommodating Diverted Flights
Comiso airport, a two-hour drive from Catania, and Palermo and Trapani, which are located on the west side of the island, are accommodating diverted flights. However, limited public transport services between cities in Sicily present challenges for passengers seeking alternative travel arrangements.
While the fire has been extinguished, the departures terminal still contains lingering smoke. It is uncertain whether affected passengers will receive compensation or assistance with unexpected costs resulting from the closure.
Both ITA Airways and Ryanair have issued statements to their passengers regarding the situation. ITA Airways informed travelers that the airport will remain closed until 2 pm on July 19, with significant flight cancellations and delays. Ryanair assured affected passengers that they would be notified of their options.
Amidst the airport closure, Italy is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with Palermo, the largest city in Sicily, being one of the 16 Italian cities under heat warnings. Temperature forecasts indicate a rise to 48°C later this week, adding to the challenges faced by the region.
As the situation develops, passengers are advised to check their flight status with their respective airlines or booking agents for rebooking or refund options. Other European airlines have been contacted for their input on the matter. The official website of Catania airport has yet to provide news or guidance for affected passengers.
