Flights at Catania airport in Sicily were halted once again on Wednesday due to new ash emissions from Mount Etna. This volcanic activity, originating from Europe’s highest and most active volcano, led authorities to extend airspace restrictions, causing travel disruptions during the peak summer holiday season.
The effects of the recent eruption were not limited to Sicily, as neighboring Malta experienced flight cancellations and significant delays overnight due to volcanic ash drifting south across the Mediterranean. Mount Etna frequently disrupts operations at Catania airport, which serves as Sicily’s main gateway and is the fifth busiest airport in Italy based on passenger traffic.
Recent volcanic activities have impacted travelers, with images displaying lava flow and smoke rising from the crater during the eruptions on July 5 and 6. Satellite imagery captured the spread of smoke from Mount Etna, while drone footage showed lava flowing down a slope during the eruption.
Eastern Sicily has been facing travel disruptions since last week when volcanic activity resumed and winds shifted, carrying ash across the region. Stranded passengers were seen waiting at the terminal following the closure of Catania airport due to the ash cloud from Mount Etna on Monday.
While conditions seemed to be improving on Wednesday, Malta International Airport continued to caution passengers about potential disruptions. The prolonged restrictions at Catania airport have placed additional strain on other airports in Sicily. Palermo’s airport took on 190 flights that were originally scheduled to land or depart from Catania in recent days. Comiso airport, a smaller facility south of Catania, resumed full operations after suspending flights on Tuesday evening due to ash from Mount Etna.
