Flights at Catania airport in Sicily faced another suspension on Wednesday due to fresh ash emissions from Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. This led to extended airspace restrictions, causing travel disruptions during the busy summer holiday season. The impact of the eruption reached beyond Sicily, affecting neighboring Malta with flight cancellations and significant delays as volcanic ash drifted south across the Mediterranean.
Mount Etna’s frequent eruptions often disrupt operations at Catania airport, the main gateway to Sicily and the fifth busiest airport in Italy based on passenger traffic. Recent volcanic activities have had a significant impact on travelers, with images showing lava flow and smoke rising from the volcano’s crater on July 5 and 6, respectively.
Satellite imagery captured smoke spreading from Mount Etna, while a drone view revealed lava flowing down a slope during an eruption. Travel disruptions have been ongoing in eastern Sicily since last week, with volcanic ash affecting the region due to renewed volcanic activity and changing winds. Stranded passengers were seen waiting at the terminal following the airport closure on Monday.
Despite some improvements on Wednesday, Malta International Airport continued to caution passengers about potential disruptions. The prolonged restrictions at Catania airport have increased pressure on other airports in Sicily. Palermo Mayor Roberto Lagalla mentioned that Palermo’s airport accommodated 190 flights that were originally scheduled for Catania. Comiso airport, a smaller facility south of Catania, resumed full operations after halting flights on Tuesday due to ash from Mount Etna.
