Ash spewing from Sicily’s Mount Etna has forced the closure of the island’s largest airport for the fifth consecutive day. Hundreds of summer holiday travelers are stranded during the biggest travel week of the year. Catania’s airport will remain closed until Saturday afternoon, coinciding with the Ferragosto holiday. This is the longest emergency since 2002. Volcanic ash poses a significant risk to aircraft, potentially stalling engines. The closure has led to rerouted flights, increased taxi fares, and higher car rental prices. Trenitalia has added trains to ease travel pressure.