Flights were once again halted at Catania airport in Sicily on Wednesday due to new ash emissions from Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest and most active volcano. This led to an extension of airspace restrictions, causing disruptions in travel during the busy summer holiday season. 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, which serves as Sicily’s primary gateway and is Italy’s fifth busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic. Recent volcanic activities have had a significant effect on travelers in the region.
Images captured during the eruption on July 5 and 6 depict lava flow and smoke rising from the volcano’s crater. Satellite imagery from Tuesday shows smoke spreading from Mount Etna, while drone footage captured lava flowing down a slope during the eruption.
Travel disturbances have been ongoing in eastern Sicily since last week when volcanic activity resumed and winds shifted, carrying ash across the area. Passengers have been stranded at the terminal following the closure of Catania airport due to the ash cloud from Mount Etna.
Although conditions seemed to improve on Wednesday, Malta International Airport continued to caution passengers about potential disruptions. The extended restrictions at Catania airport have also strained other airports in Sicily. Palermo Mayor Roberto Lagalla mentioned that Palermo’s airport had accommodated 190 flights initially destined for Catania in recent days. Comiso airport, located south of Catania and utilized to manage seasonal tourist traffic, resumed full operations after halting flights on Tuesday due to ash from Mount Etna.