Italy’s Oliba Airport shut its operation as wildfire engulfs

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Olbia airport in Italy has been forced to close due to a nearby wildfire that erupted on Wednesday. The airport’s closure was prompted by the fire, which is reportedly situated “not far” from the airport’s vicinity. The Costa Smeralda airport, located in close proximity to the wildfire, had to temporarily suspend its operations.

The fire has taken hold in the countryside near the Enas river, primarily affecting the southern direction of aircraft landing. The flames have been exacerbated by the prevailing strong mistral wind sweeping across the island.

Authorities have mobilized resources to tackle the blaze, including a national civil protection water-dumping Canadair, two regional fleet helicopters, and numerous ground teams. As firefighting efforts continue, the airport’s operations have been significantly impacted. Three flights have already been rerouted to Alghero, including a Lufthansa flight from Rome and two from Volotea. Additionally, other flights are grappling with delays in both arrivals and departures due to the situation.

The incident highlights the challenges posed by environmental factors on air travel operations. With the fire’s proximity to the airport and the adverse weather conditions fueling its spread, both passengers and airport staff are experiencing disruptions. As firefighting teams strive to control the wildfire, the airport’s closure serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between natural occurrences and transportation infrastructure.

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