Italy's Catania airport reopens as volcanic eruption dies down

Catania airport in Sicily reopened on Saturday after suspending flights for a week because of a volcanic eruption at nearby Mount Etna that spewed ash into the sky.

Northerly winds are spreading the ash to Malta and northern Africa

CATANIA, Aug 14 - Flights at Catania airport in Sicily will remain suspended until early Saturday because of ash from Mount Etna's ongoing volcanic activity, which has forced hundreds of flights to be cancelled or rerouted over the past week.

Flights have been grounded and alternative transport is fully booked

The eruption of Mount Etna continues to bring air traffic in Sicily to a standstill, forcing Catania–Fontanarossa airport to close temporarily as ash reached Malta and as far away as Libya.