The main airport in Catania, a city in eastern Sicily, has been closed until July 19 after a fire broke out late on July 16. The airport's management company announced the closure on Twitter, citing safety concerns following the incident.
Thankfully, there were no reported injuries resulting from the fire. Firefighters responded promptly and managed to contain the blaze within approximately 90 minutes. However, authorities have not yet provided specific details regarding the cause of the fire or its potential connection to the region's current high temperatures.
Catania, along with Palermo (the Sicilian capital) and Messina (the island's third-largest city), implemented a red alert for hot weather on July 16 in anticipation of record-breaking temperatures expected in the coming days.
#Catania, concluso alle ore 5:40 di stamattina l'intervento di 4 squadre dei #vigilidelfuoco per l'#incendio di alcuni locali al piano terra del terminal A dell'aeroporto Vincenzo Bellini. Scalo aereo interdetto al traffico passeggeri [#17luglio 8:00] pic.twitter.com/tGf9EMi7on
— Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) July 17, 2023
The Catania airport ranked fifth for traffic in Italy in 2022 and the busiest on the island according to the Assoaeroporti sector group, has suspended all flights until 12:00 GMT on July 19, as confirmed by the airport's management company.
Witnesses reported dense smoke in the lower area of the facility following the fire, causing panic among passengers and airport staff. People hurriedly evacuated the premises, shouting and visibly distressed.
The Catania airport serves as a major gateway for tourists visiting popular destinations such as Mount Etna, Taormina (located approximately 70 kilometers away), and Siracusa, renowned for its Greek Theatre and historical center on the Ortigia island.
Passengers with flights scheduled to or from Catania during the closure period are advised to contact their respective airlines or consult the airport's official website and social media channels for updates and alternative arrangements.
Comments (0)