Catania Airport in Sicily has suspended all inbound flights until 5pm local time today (August 10) following Mount Etna's latest eruption, which has spread volcanic ash into nearby airspace.
The suspension affects all incoming flights, with carriers including Ryanair, easyJet, ITA Airways and Wizz Air among those scheduled today. Passengers have been urged to check their flight status before departing.
Volcanic activity and aviation warning
Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology reported that the eruption was ongoing, with multiple lava flows documented. The aviation warning for the volcano remained at red, the highest alert level, due to the hazard posed to aircraft by volcanic ash.
Initially, restrictions had allowed a limited number of aircraft to land, with arrivals capped at five per hour until 6am. Officials then moved to suspend incoming flights completely.
Airspace closure and operator statement
Airport operator SAC confirmed that a section of airspace to the south-west of Mount Etna had been closed due to the ash cloud. In a statement, SAC said: "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."
The operator added that the disruption was significantly impacting airport operations, urging passengers to contact their airline before travelling. It also said: "The situation is being constantly monitored, and further updates will be provided depending on the evolution of volcanic activity and weather conditions."
Impact on Catania and Sicily
Catania is Sicily's busiest airport and the fifth busiest in Italy. Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes, regularly causes disruption to flights serving the airport. Palermo Airport, on the other side of Sicily, appears to be operating normally.
