For what it's worth, I travelled from Trapani to Palermo when I went on holiday to Sicily a few years ago.
I would not describe it as an 'easy drive' (straight down/up the M11 to Stansted, anyone?), or particularly 'commutable' for that matter. But then I didn't drive it at 03:30 to operate a 737 from Palermo airport. I was on holiday.
Hope those affected get the situation sorted.