Relief over the news that Northern Italian airspace would be reopened at 07:00 Italian time today was short-lived as two hours later flights were stopped again.
Italy’s Protezione Civile and the Rome Airports Authority worked together to provide camp beds and other comforts for stranded passengers at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport last night.
Enac [the Italian Civil Aviation Authority] has announced that no flights will operate into or out of Northern Italy until at least 08:00 [Italian time] on Tuesday. Frustrated and disappointed travellers are said to be reacting angrily and a facebook group, “When volcanoes erupt- a survival guide for stranded travellers”, has been set up so that they can offer each other up-to-date information and support.
Meanwhile railway travel in Italy is reported to be operating almost normally after weekend chaos due to a strike but most trains are full. Ferrovie dello Stato has suggested that the air companies make rail travel arrangements for their clients via the internet instead of just directing them to railway stations, where there is chaos at ticket offices.
There is, however, one consolation for those stranded in Italy: as part of Culture Week, all State Museums are offering free admission until April 25th – but they are closed on Mondays!
