Flights were once again halted at Catania airport in Sicily on Wednesday due to fresh ash emissions from Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest and most active volcano. This led to the extension of airspace restrictions, causing disruptions during the peak summer vacation period. The impact of the eruption was not limited to Sicily, as neighboring Malta also experienced flight cancellations and significant delays as volcanic ash moved southward across the Mediterranean.
Mount Etna frequently disrupts operations at Catania airport, which is the main entry point to Sicily and the fifth busiest airport in Italy based on passenger traffic. Recent volcanic activities have significantly affected travelers, with lava flows and smoke emanating from the crater during the eruptions on July 5 and 6, as depicted in the accompanying images.
Satellite imagery captured smoke spreading from Mount Etna on Tuesday, while drone footage showed lava flowing down a slope during the eruption. Travel disruptions have been ongoing in eastern Sicily since last week, with ash clouds affecting the region due to renewed volcanic activity and changing wind patterns. Stranded passengers have been enduring delays and cancellations at Catania airport, as shown in images of travelers waiting at the terminal following the closure on Monday.
Although conditions seemed to be improving on Wednesday, Malta International Airport continued to caution passengers about potential disruptions. The prolonged restrictions at Catania have also placed strain on other airports in Sicily. Palermo airport has accommodated a significant number of flights that were diverted from Catania, while Comiso airport, a smaller facility south of Catania, has resumed full operations after briefly suspending flights due to ash from Mount Etna.