Mount Etna eruption causes widespread flight disruptions in Sicily

Mount Etna, located in Sicily, Italy, has entered a period of intense volcanic activity, characterized by lava flows and significant ash emissions from the Voragine crater and newly opened vents in the Valle del Bove and near Monte Simone. The volcanic activity, which began intensifying around August 10, 2026, has created a hazardous ash cloud that has drifted as far as Tripoli, Libya. This plume has posed severe safety risks to aviation, leading to the designation of a red alert status by the Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA).

As a direct consequence, the Vincenzo Bellini Fontanarossa Airport in Catania has faced repeated closures and operational suspensions. By mid-August, authorities reported over 700 flight cancellations and diversions to other Sicilian airports, such as Palermo and Trapani. The airport is currently expected to remain closed until the evening of Thursday, August 13, 2026. While the eruptions do not currently threaten residential areas, the ongoing travel chaos has sparked political debate regarding the adequacy of Sicily's airport infrastructure during the peak summer tourist season.