Flights were halted once more at Catania airport in Sicily on Wednesday due to fresh ash emissions from Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. This led to an extension of airspace restrictions, causing disruptions during the peak summer holiday period. The impact of the recent eruption was not limited to Sicily, as neighboring Malta experienced flight cancellations and significant delays due to volcanic ash drifting south across the Mediterranean.
Mount Etna frequently disrupts operations at Catania airport, the main gateway to Sicily and the fifth busiest airport in Italy by passenger traffic. Recent volcanic activities have had a notable impact on travelers. Images captured during the eruption on July 5 and 6 show lava flow and smoke rising from the crater.
Satellite imagery from Tuesday depicts the spread of smoke from Mount Etna. A drone view captured lava flowing down a slope during the eruption on the same day. Travel disruptions have been ongoing in eastern Sicily since last week, with ash clouds affecting the region. Stranded passengers were seen waiting at the terminal following the closure of Catania airport due to the ash cloud from Etna on Monday.
While conditions seemed to improve on Wednesday, Malta International Airport continued to caution passengers about potential disruptions. The prolonged restrictions at Catania airport have increased pressure on other airports in Sicily. Palermo Mayor Roberto Lagalla mentioned that Palermo airport had accommodated 190 flights originally destined for Catania in recent days. Comiso airport, a smaller facility south of Catania, which had been handling tourist traffic, resumed full operations after suspending flights on Tuesday evening due to ash from Mount Etna.