Etna Ash Diverts Israir Sicily Flights to Palermo

Mount Etna's renewed eruption sent ash over eastern Sicily, forcing Catania Airport to suspend arrivals and block departures, according to the airport operator. Hebrew and English reports said the disruption hit Israeli travelers and Israir service to and from Israel; the company shifted the return flight to Palermo and said passengers were assisted. The ash plume rose about 1.5 kilometers above the crater, creating a flight-safety hazard around Catania, while Palermo remained the practical alternate airport. The episode is a transportation disruption, not a security incident, but it directly affects Israelis abroad and Israel-bound summer travel.