Mount Etna eruption disrupts hundreds of flights at Catania airport

International

Around 700 flights have been cancelled and more than 250 diverted as volcanic ash forces temporary suspension of operations during Sicily’s peak summer season

Air travel to and from Catania has been severely disrupted by the latest eruption of Mount Etna, with hundreds of flights cancelled or diverted as volcanic ash spreads across parts of eastern Sicily.

According to Italian media reports, around 700 flights have been affected in recent days. Catania airport suspended all arrivals and departures until 4 pm local time on Thursday as ash continued to interfere with flight operations and surrounding airspace.

Hundreds of departures cancelled

Between August 8 and 11, around 400 departing flights were cancelled, according to Italian news agency ANSA. A further 52 cancellations were scheduled for Wednesday.

The disruption has also forced airlines to reroute aircraft to other Sicilian airports. More than 250 flights have been diverted, including over 100 to Comiso. Around 50 flights were redirected to Palermo on Tuesday alone, while another 22 were sent to Trapani.

SAC, the company operating Catania airport, said the closure of airspace sectors affected by the ash cloud had also been extended.

Passengers urged to check flight status

Travellers have been advised to contact their airline or check flight information before travelling to the airport.

Volcanic ash poses a particular risk to aviation because fine particles can affect aircraft engines, visibility and airport infrastructure. Even relatively limited eruptions can therefore trigger widespread operational restrictions.

Comiso airport in the province of Ragusa has meanwhile returned to full operations after temporarily suspending flights because of ash contamination.

Peak summer traffic hit by disruption

The interruption comes during one of the busiest periods of Sicily’s tourism season, affecting thousands of holidaymakers and local residents travelling in and out of the island.

The latest eruption has also renewed debate over the operational vulnerability of Catania airport, which lies close to Mount Etna. Italian Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci said the disruption had again highlighted long-standing concerns linked to the airport’s proximity to the volcano.

Etna remains a constant factor for eastern Sicily

Mount Etna dominates the landscape of eastern Sicily and is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Its eruptions are a regular natural phenomenon, but ash clouds can create significant problems for air traffic around Catania.

For the region’s tourism industry, the challenge lies in balancing the attraction of Etna as one of Sicily’s defining natural landmarks with the recurring operational risks it can pose to one of the island’s most important airports.