Etna Disrupts Air Traffic: Catania Airport Closed Again

Several arriving and departing flights were diverted to alternative airports in Sicily. Reports name Comiso and Palermo, among others. These airports have also repeatedly established themselves in the past as alternative destinations during volcanic events at Etna.

Travellers must prepare for delays and rebookings on Monday. According to the airport operator, the closure applies expressly until 12:00 noon; a possible extension was to be decided in the course of the morning, according to the operator.

Why Volcanic Ash Grounds Air Traffic

Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in Europe and is part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage. Eruptions are part of the normal behaviour of the mountain, which regularly releases lava flows and ash. For aviation, the ash carried into high atmospheric layers is particularly critical, as it can spread over long distances.

Italian civil protection authorities say they are closely monitoring the situation at the volcano. The authorities are working closely with the airport operator and air traffic control to decide on a resumption of flight operations.

Advice for Travellers

Sicily is an important destination in the Mediterranean region, both for tourism and business travellers. Repeated closures of Catania Airport had already led to significant disruptions in regional air traffic in recent months.

For travellers planning to fly to or from Catania on Monday, Aeroporto Fontanarossa recommended checking the status of their booking via the airport's website or directly with the airline. Arriving via alternative airports was also mentioned as an option.

Weather and wind conditions influence how far the ash cloud spreads and how long it affects the airspace above the airport. Experts speak of a so-called ash dispersion zone, whose exact extent is continuously being modelled.

Should the situation at Etna not ease, further closures cannot be ruled out. The authorities stressed that the safety of passengers and crews is the top priority and that every decision would be made on the basis of current measurements.