All arriving flights to Catania Airport in Sicily have been suspended until at least 5pm local time today (August 10) after ash from Mount Etna's latest eruption drifted into nearby airspace, according to airport operator SAC. The disruption comes as Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) confirmed the volcano is still erupting, with multiple lava flows documented.
Airspace closure and flight restrictions
SAC announced that a section of airspace to the south-west of Mount Etna, designated Sector C1, has been closed due to the ash cloud. The operator stated: "Due to Etna's eruptive activity and the associated release of volcanic ash into the atmosphere, the airspace corresponding to the ash cloud southwest of the volcano (Sector C1) has been closed. Arrivals are suspended until 5.00 PM."
Initially, authorities had allowed a limited number of aircraft to land, with arrivals restricted to five per hour until 6am. However, they later decided to halt incoming flights completely, significantly affecting airport operations. The operator added: "The situation is being constantly monitored, and further updates will be provided depending on the evolution of volcanic activity and weather conditions."
Impact on airlines and passengers
Carriers operating at Catania today include Ryanair, easyJet, ITA Airways, and Wizz Air. Travellers have been advised to verify their flight status with their airline before departing for the airport. The aviation alert for Mount Etna remains at red, the highest warning level, due to the threat volcanic ash poses to aircraft engines and visibility.
Catania Airport is Sicily's busiest and ranks as the fifth busiest in Italy. Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes, frequently causes interruptions to flights serving the airport. In contrast, Palermo Airport, on Sicily's opposite coast, appears to be operating normally, with no reported disruptions.
Ongoing volcanic activity
The INGV confirmed that Mount Etna's eruption is ongoing, with multiple lava flows observed. The volcano's activity has been closely monitored, and further updates are expected as the situation evolves. The closure of Sector C1 airspace is part of standard safety protocols to prevent aircraft from encountering volcanic ash, which can cause severe damage to jet engines.
