Flights were once again halted at Catania airport in Sicily on Wednesday due to new ash emissions from Mount Etna, which is Europe’s tallest and most active volcano. This led to an extension of airspace restrictions, causing disruptions during the busy summer holiday season. The effects of the recent eruption were felt beyond Sicily, with flight cancellations and significant delays reported in neighboring Malta as volcanic ash drifted south across the Mediterranean.
Mount Etna frequently impacts operations at Catania airport, the main gateway to Sicily and the fifth busiest airport in Italy by passenger traffic. Recent volcanic activities have disrupted travel plans for many passengers. Images captured lava flow and smoke rising from the volcano’s crater during the eruptions on July 5 and 6.
Satellite imagery depicted smoke spreading from Mount Etna, while a drone view showed lava cascading down a slope during the eruption. Travel disruptions have plagued eastern Sicily since last week, with ash clouds affecting the region due to increased volcanic activity and changing winds. Stranded passengers were seen waiting at the terminal following the closure of Catania airport on Monday.
Although conditions seemed to be improving on Wednesday, Malta International Airport continued to caution travelers about potential disruptions. The extended restrictions at Catania have also put strain on other airports in Sicily. Palermo’s airport had to handle 190 flights that were originally destined for Catania, while Comiso airport, a smaller facility south of Catania, had to suspend flights temporarily on Tuesday before returning to full operations to manage the influx of tourist traffic.