Flights were once again halted at Catania airport in Sicily on Wednesday due to new ash emissions from Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. This led authorities to prolong airspace restrictions, causing disruptions during the peak summer holiday period. The impact of the recent eruption extended beyond Sicily, with flight cancellations and significant delays reported in neighboring Malta as volcanic ash drifted south across the Mediterranean.
Mount Etna frequently disrupts operations at Catania airport, which serves as Sicily’s primary gateway and is the fifth busiest airport in Italy based on passenger traffic. Recent volcanic activities have significantly affected travelers in the region, with lava flowing and smoke rising from the crater during the eruptions on July 5 and 6.
Satellite images captured the smoke spreading from Mount Etna, while drone footage showed lava flowing down a slope during the volcanic activity. Travel disruptions have plagued eastern Sicily since last week when renewed volcanic activity and changing winds caused ash to spread across the area, leading to the closure of Catania airport.
Although conditions seemed to be improving on Wednesday, Malta International Airport continued to caution passengers about potential disruptions. The extended restrictions at Catania have also increased the strain on other airports in Sicily. Palermo’s airport accommodated 190 flights initially destined for Catania, while Comiso airport, a smaller facility south of Catania, resumed full operations after suspending flights due to ash from Etna the previous evening.