Flights at Catania airport in Sicily were halted once more on Wednesday due to fresh ash emissions from Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest and most active volcano. This led to the extension of airspace restrictions, disrupting travel during the busy summer holiday season. The impact of the recent eruption extended beyond Sicily, causing flight cancellations and significant delays in neighboring Malta as volcanic ash drifted south across the Mediterranean.
Mount Etna frequently disrupts operations at Catania airport, which serves as Sicily’s primary gateway and is Italy’s fifth busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic. Recent volcanic activities have had a notable effect on travelers. Images captured during the eruption on July 5 and 6 depict lava flow and smoke rising from the crater.
Satellite imagery revealed smoke spreading from Mount Etna, while drone footage showcased lava flowing down the slope during the eruption. Since last week, travel disruptions have plagued eastern Sicily as ash from Etna spread across the region, leading to stranded passengers waiting at the terminal following the airport closure on Monday.
Although conditions seemed to be improving on Wednesday, Malta International Airport continued to caution passengers about potential disruptions. The prolonged restrictions at Catania have placed added strain on other airports in Sicily. Palermo Mayor Roberto Lagalla mentioned that Palermo airport had accommodated 190 flights originally destined for Catania in recent days. Comiso airport, a smaller facility south of Catania, which had been assisting with the overflow of tourist traffic, has resumed full operations after suspending flights due to ash from Mount Etna.
