Flights at Catania airport in Sicily faced a fresh suspension on Wednesday due to new ash emissions from Mount Etna, the highest and most active volcano in Europe. This led authorities to extend airspace restrictions, causing travel disruptions during the busy summer holiday season. The impact of the recent eruption extended beyond Sicily, affecting neighboring Malta with flight cancellations and significant delays as volcanic ash spread south across the Mediterranean.
The continuous volcanic activities of Etna frequently disrupt operations at Catania airport, which serves as Sicily’s primary gateway and ranks as Italy’s fifth busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic. Recent volcanic events have significantly impacted travelers, with lava flow and smoke emitting from the crater during eruptions on July 5 and 6.
Satellite imagery captured smoke dispersing from Mount Etna on Tuesday, showcasing the volcanic activity. Additionally, aerial views revealed lava flowing down a slope during an eruption on the same day. Travel disruptions have plagued eastern Sicily since last week when ash clouds from Etna, propelled by shifting winds, began affecting the region.
The closure of Catania airport due to the ash cloud led to stranded passengers waiting at the terminal on Monday. As conditions seemed to improve on Wednesday, Malta International Airport continued to caution passengers about potential disruptions. The extended restrictions at Catania airport have posed challenges for other airports in Sicily. Palermo’s airport accommodated 190 flights originally destined for Catania, and Comiso airport, a smaller facility south of Catania, has resumed full operations after temporarily halting flights on Tuesday due to ash from Mount Etna.