Flights at Catania airport in Sicily faced new suspensions on Wednesday due to fresh ash emissions from Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. This forced authorities to extend airspace restrictions, causing travel disruptions during the busy summer holiday season. The impact of the eruption reached beyond Sicily, affecting neighboring Malta with flight cancellations and significant delays as volcanic ash drifted south across the Mediterranean.
Mount Etna frequently disrupts operations at Catania airport, which serves as Sicily’s main gateway and the fifth busiest airport in Italy in terms of passenger traffic. Recent volcanic activities have impacted travelers, with images showing lava flow and smoke rising from the crater during eruptions on July 5 and 6.
Satellite imagery captured smoke spreading from Mount Etna, showcasing the reach of the volcanic activity. A drone view also displayed lava flowing down a slope during an eruption. Travel disruptions have been ongoing in eastern Sicily since last week, as volcanic ash spread due to renewed activity and changing winds.
The situation seemed to improve on Wednesday, although Malta International Airport continued to caution passengers about potential disruptions. The prolonged restrictions at Catania airport have led to added strain on Sicily’s other airports. Palermo’s airport accommodated 190 flights redirected from Catania recently, while Comiso airport, located south of Catania, resumed full operations after a temporary closure due to ash from Mount Etna.