Flights were once again halted at Catania airport in Sicily on Wednesday due to new ash emissions from Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. This led to the extension of airspace restrictions, causing disruptions during the peak summer holiday season. The impact of the recent eruption extended beyond Sicily, affecting neighboring Malta with flight cancellations and significant delays as volcanic ash drifted south across the Mediterranean.
Catania airport, which is the primary gateway to Sicily and the fifth busiest airport in Italy in terms of passenger traffic, often faces operational disruptions due to Etna’s volcanic activities. Recent volcanic events have significantly affected travelers, as lava flow and smoke were observed from the volcano’s crater on July 5 and 6.
Satellite images captured smoke spreading from Mount Etna, showcasing the ongoing volcanic activity. A drone view also depicted lava flowing down a slope during an eruption. Travel disruptions in eastern Sicily have been ongoing since the previous week, with ash clouds affecting the region. Stranded passengers were seen waiting at the airport terminal following the closure of Catania airport due to volcanic ash.
While conditions seemed to improve on Wednesday, Malta International Airport continued to caution passengers about potential disruptions. The extended restrictions at Catania have increased pressure on other airports in Sicily. Palermo’s airport accommodated 190 flights that were originally bound for Catania, while Comiso airport, located south of Catania, resumed full operations after briefly suspending flights due to ash from Mount Etna.