Flights were once again halted at Catania airport in Sicily on Wednesday due to fresh ash emissions from Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. This led to an extension of airspace restrictions, causing disruptions during the peak summer holiday season. The impact of the recent eruption was not limited to Sicily, as neighboring Malta also experienced flight cancellations and significant delays as volcanic ash drifted southward across the Mediterranean.
Mount Etna frequently disrupts operations at Catania airport, the main gateway to Sicily and the fifth busiest airport in Italy in terms of passenger traffic. Recent volcanic activities have had a significant impact on travelers, with lava flowing and smoke rising from the crater during eruptions on July 5 and 6.
Satellite imagery captured smoke spreading from Mount Etna, depicting the ongoing volcanic activity. A drone view showed lava flowing down a slope during an eruption. Travel disruptions have affected eastern Sicily since last week when volcanic ash began to spread across the region due to renewed volcanic activity and changing wind patterns, leading to the closure of Catania airport.
The prolonged restrictions at Catania have also put pressure on other airports in Sicily. Palermo Mayor Roberto Lagalla mentioned that Palermo’s airport had to accommodate 190 flights that were originally scheduled to operate through Catania. Comiso airport, a smaller facility south of Catania, resumed full operations after temporarily suspending flights due to volcanic ash from Mount Etna.
While conditions seemed to be improving on Wednesday, Malta International Airport continued to caution passengers about potential disruptions, emphasizing the ongoing challenges posed by the volcanic activity at Mount Etna.