All arriving flights to Catania Airport in Sicily have been cancelled and will remain grounded until at least 5pm local time today (August 10) due to ash from Mount Etna's eruption.
Airspace closed southwest of volcano
Airport operator SAC confirmed that a section of airspace to the south-west of Mount Etna (Sector C1) has been closed because of the ash cloud. The suspension affects all inbound flights, with carriers including Ryanair, easyJet, ITA Airways and Wizz Air among those scheduled.
Passengers have been advised to check with their airline before travelling to the airport. The disruption follows an earlier restriction that allowed only five landings per hour until 6am, before authorities decided to halt arrivals completely.
Red alert remains in effect
Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology reported that the eruption is ongoing, with multiple lava flows documented. The aviation alert for the volcano remains at red, the maximum level, due to the hazard volcanic ash poses to aircraft.
SAC 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."
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 Sicily's busiest airport
Catania is Sicily's busiest airport and ranks fifth in Italy overall. Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, frequently disrupts flights at the airport. Palermo Airport, on the opposite side of the island, appears to be operating normally.
