Flights at Catania airport in Sicily faced suspension once again on Wednesday due to fresh ash emissions from Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. This led to extended airspace restrictions, causing disruptions during the peak 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.
Catania airport, the main gateway to Sicily and Italy’s fifth busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic, often faces disruptions from Etna’s activities. Recent volcanic events have significantly affected travelers. Images captured during the eruptions on July 5 and 6 show lava flow and smoke rising from the crater of Mount Etna.
Satellite imagery displayed smoke spreading from Mount Etna on Tuesday. A drone view showcased lava flowing down a slope during the eruption. Travel disruptions have plagued eastern Sicily since last week when volcanic activity resumed, and ash began spreading across the region. Passengers were left stranded at the terminal following the closure of Catania airport due to the ash cloud from 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 put additional strain on other airports in Sicily. Palermo Mayor Roberto Lagalla mentioned that the city’s airport had handled 190 flights initially bound for or departing from Catania in recent days. Comiso airport, a smaller facility south of Catania, resumed full operations after halting flights on Tuesday evening due to ash from Mount Etna.