A wildfire in the surroundings of Catania Airport, in Sicily, started last night leaving hundreds of tourists trapped in the island.
Catania Airport posted on social media a warning earlier today.
It read: “Due to the strong fires that are in the area adjacent to the airport, Catania Airport was forced to suspend flight operations.
“Inevitable delays and possible diversions on arriving and departing flights.”
At the time of writing, the fire hasn’t yet been extinguished.
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The most affected area is Fossa Creta where families have been forced to leave their homes.
Most roads on the island are currently closed.
The fire has also destroyed part of the seafront in the town of Plaia, leaving shocking images of the remains of the popular Italian beach.
Some houses in Palermo were hit by flames and had to be evacuated.
The mayor of Piana degli Albanesi, Rosario Petta, said: “This year we have reached unprecedented levels of devastation.
“This is criminal action, given that the triggers are on several points.”
Heatwaves are expected to hit Sicily in the next few days.
The regional Civil Protection has issued a “red” level 3 alert for Catania, Messina and Palermo, and a “heatwave warning” for the rest of Sicily until 6 August.
