Flights to Catania Airport in Sicily were halted on Saturday after fresh volcanic ash from Mount Etna, combined with unfavourable weather conditions, disrupted operations at one of Italy’s
busiest aviation hubs.
Airport authorities said all incoming flights would remain suspended until 10:00 GMT on Sunday, with further decisions expected to depend on weather conditions and the concentration of volcanic ash in the area.
The disruption affects Catania’s airport during a period when Sicily remains a major destination for international and domestic travellers. The airport is Italy’s fifth busiest in terms of passenger numbers, making even a temporary closure capable of causing widespread delays and cancellations.
Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, regularly creates problems for aviation in eastern Sicily. Volcanic ash is particularly hazardous to aircraft because it can reduce visibility and potentially damage jet engines, prompting aviation authorities to impose restrictions when ash clouds move into flight paths.
Etna’s activity has been especially disruptive during the summer of 2026, with repeated episodes of intense ash emissions forcing temporary restrictions at Catania and affecting thousands of passengers during the peak holiday period.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the volcano and atmospheric conditions. The resumption of arrivals will depend on whether the airspace around Catania is considered safe for aircraft operations. Photo by Carlo Dani, Wikimedia commons.
