Flights at Catania airport in Sicily faced a new suspension 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 travel disruptions during the peak summer holiday season. The impact of the recent eruption extended beyond Sicily, affecting neighboring Malta with flight cancellations and significant delays as volcanic ash drifted south across the Mediterranean.
Mount Etna frequently disrupts operations at Catania airport, the main gateway to Sicily and the fifth busiest airport in Italy by passenger traffic. Recent volcanic activities have significantly impacted travelers, with images capturing lava flow and smoke rising from the crater during eruptions on July 5 and 6.
Satellite imagery revealed the spread of smoke from Mount Etna on Tuesday, while a drone view showcased lava flowing down a slope during an eruption on the same day. Travel disruptions have plagued eastern Sicily since last week, with renewed volcanic activity and changing winds dispersing ash across the region. Stranded passengers were pictured waiting at the terminal following the closure of Catania airport due to an ash cloud from Etna on Monday.
While conditions seemed to improve on Wednesday, Malta International Airport continued to caution passengers about potential disruptions. The prolonged restrictions at Catania have placed additional strain on Sicily’s other airports. Palermo Mayor Roberto Lagalla mentioned that the city’s airport had accommodated 190 flights initially destined for Catania in recent days. Comiso airport, a smaller facility south of Catania, which absorbed tourist season traffic in the past few days, has resumed full operations after halting flights on Tuesday evening due to ash from Mount Etna.