Flights at Catania airport in Sicily were halted once again on Wednesday due to fresh ash emissions from Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. This led to an extension of airspace restrictions, causing disruptions during the peak summer holiday season. The impact of the recent eruption was not limited to Sicily, as neighboring Malta experienced flight cancellations and significant delays as volcanic ash drifted southward across the Mediterranean.
Mount Etna frequently affects operations at Catania airport, which serves as Sicily’s primary gateway and is the fifth busiest airport in Italy based on passenger traffic. The recent volcanic activities have had a notable impact on travelers, with images capturing lava flow and smoke rising from the crater during the eruptions on July 5 and 6.
Satellite imagery displayed the smoke spreading from Mount Etna, while drone footage showed lava flowing down a slope during the eruption. Travel disruptions have been ongoing in eastern Sicily since last week due to renewed volcanic activity and shifting winds carrying ash across the region. Stranded passengers were seen waiting at the terminal following the closure of Catania airport on Monday due to an ash cloud from Etna.
Although conditions seemed to improve on Wednesday, Malta International Airport continued to caution passengers about potential disruptions. The prolonged restrictions at Catania have resulted in increased pressure on other airports in Sicily. Palermo Mayor Roberto Lagalla mentioned that Palermo’s airport had accommodated 190 flights initially destined for Catania in recent days. Additionally, Comiso airport, a smaller facility south of Catania, resumed full operations after suspending flights on Tuesday evening due to ash from Mount Etna.