Massive disruption continues to affect visitors to Sicily’s main airport following a fire that occurred last week. This incident has exposed the disorganization and inadequate infrastructure that pose challenges to Italy’s tourism ambitions. The fire broke out on July 17 at Catania airport, which serves as a major hub for the eastern part of Sicily and receives more arrivals than the capital, Palermo. Although the fire was quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported, thousands of tourists have experienced significant delays, a lack of information, and flights being redirected hundreds of miles away in the nine days that followed. These issues go against the government’s optimistic “Welcome to Wonder” advertising campaign, which uses a computerized version of Venus to attract tourists.
Italy is striving to enhance its appeal as a tourist destination, and the increase in arrivals this year has provided support to the economy amidst struggles in the manufacturing sector. However, stranded tourists at Catania airport have expressed their frustration with the situation. Julie, a tourist from California, shared her experience of being at the airport since 5 a.m. and having her flight canceled at 11:55 a.m. She stated that although she enjoyed her holiday in Taormina and Syracuse, she does not plan to return to Italy anytime soon due to the disorganized handling of the fire incident.
Confused and infuriated tourists have complained about the breakdown of the airport’s public address system and the use of megaphones by staff who only provide instructions in Italian. The regional government assures that the situation is gradually improving and expects the airport to return to full capacity by early August. In addition to the fire at Catania airport, Palermo airport, the second-largest on the island, was temporarily closed on Tuesday due to nearby forest fires.
Amidst the ongoing clean-up operations at Catania airport, temporary tent-like structures have been set up outside a small terminal to accommodate the influx of passengers. However, the effects of the fire are still noticeable, as Maria Grazia Salamone, who flew from Catania to Rome on July 24, mentioned that she could still smell burned plastic upon arrival at the airport. She also highlighted the challenges faced by passengers who may not hear the shouted flight names. The situation in Catania has been further complicated by a heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 45°C (113°F), power outages, and disruptions to the water supply in the city and nearby towns.
Ugo Zinna, who traveled from Catania to Genoa on Tuesday, experienced a two-hour flight delay and had to wait in a makeshift building with a tensile roof that provided little protection from the scorching sun. To assist citizens affected by blackouts and water shortages, Catania’s city council has established a hotline and designated places with air conditioning for daytime shelter. Alfio Guglielmino from the town of Belpasso in the province of Catania shared his experience of having candle-lit dinners due to a five-hour power outage in the evenings.
In conclusion, the fire at Catania airport has caused significant disruption for visitors to Sicily, highlighting the disorganization and inadequate infrastructure that pose challenges to Italy’s tourism ambitions. The government’s efforts to attract tourists through its “Welcome to Wonder” campaign have been overshadowed by the chaotic scenes witnessed by stranded tourists. Despite ongoing improvements, the situation at the airport remains problematic, compounded by a heatwave and other related issues in the region.
