Ash emissions at Etna volcano disrupt flights at Catania International Airport, Italy
Increased explosive activity accompanied by significant ash emissions started at Etna's New Southeast Crater (NSEC) shortly before 06:00 UTC on Friday, October 23, 2020. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Red at 05:53 UTC and lowered back to Orange at 08:36 UTC.
According to the Toulouse VAAC, volcanic ash rose to 2.4 km (8 000 feet) above sea level, drifting SE.
The Catania airport management said its 'Crisis Unit ordered the closure of a sector of the airspace starting at 09:30 LT.'
The unit allowed 5 landings per hour but did not limit departures, although cautioned delays might occur.
Flights returned to normal at 10:54 UTC.
Strombolian activity of varying intensity, sporadic and mild ash emissions continued at the NSEC and Bocca Nuova.
#volcano #etna new heavy #smoking day pic.twitter.com/m8LN1UxvHq
— Carmelo Caltabiano (@carmcaltabiano) October 23, 2020
#Etna's "saddle vent" (Southeast Crater) continues the show – small but beautiful Strombolian-style explosions and ash emissions, on the evening of 20 October 2020. pic.twitter.com/FApv1DjKA3
— Boris Behncke (@etnaboris) October 20, 2020
Some more #Etna from last night (17-18 October 2020) for you. Strombolian activity at the Southeast Crater's "saddle vent". Nice to watch, but in reality rather small, harmless activity. pic.twitter.com/et9MOpMY0m
— Boris Behncke (@etnaboris) October 18, 2020
Featured image credit: Aeroporto di Catania @CTAairport
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