Mount Etna intensifies ash emissions – Catania Airport temporarily closed

Because of the released ash, Catania Airport was temporarily closed. According to airport operator SAC, the closure initially applied until 7:00 p.m. local time. Afterwards, only five arriving flights per hour could be handled at Catania Airport until 9:00 p.m. local time.

Restrictions at Catania Airport

According to meteorological forecast models, the ash will continue to spread toward the south in the coming hours. The eruption cloud drifted toward the south and south-southeast, according to reports. For now, this primarily affects the airspace south of the volcano.

Etna's eruptions attract many tourists. The volcano on the Italian Mediterranean island of Sicily has long been one of the most popular destinations for volcano enthusiasts. Authorities and experts, however, are closely monitoring the situation.

Monitoring by the INGV

The INGV also stated that the eruption cloud consists predominantly of ash. According to the institute, volcanologists are currently evaluating seismic data and visual observations to assess the volcano's further behavior.

Because the airport closure significantly affects air traffic in the region, delays and diversions are possible. Travelers were asked to check with their airlines for the current status of their connections.

According to currently available information, there is no acute danger to the population in the immediate vicinity of the volcano. However, depending on wind direction, ashfall can cause disruptions in lower-lying areas, for example in road traffic or agriculture.

The authorities in the Catania region stated that they are in close contact with the INGV and the airport operator SAC. Further decisions regarding closures or restrictions are to be made depending on the development of the ash cloud.

Experts point out that Etna's eruptions can vary greatly in scale and duration. The current phase of heightened activity is part of the typical dynamics of an active volcano and is being documented precisely by scientists.

Overall, the renewed eruption illustrates Sicily's ongoing geological activity. Etna is one of the best-monitored volcanoes in the world – measurement stations around the mountain continuously provide data on earthquakes, gas emissions, and ground deformation.