Mount Etna eruption disrupts aviation in Sicily

On August 10, 2026, Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, entered a phase of intense volcanic activity, characterized by eruptions from the Voragine crater and significant ash emissions. The volcanic plume, which reached as far as Tripoli in Libya, prompted the airport management company SAC to suspend arrivals at Catania airport until 17:00 local time to ensure flight safety. The aviation alert level was raised to red by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) Volcano Observatory.

The eruption features active vents at altitudes of approximately 2,750 and 2,360 meters, fueling complex lava flows on the volcano's slopes. Due to the dangerous levels of ash in the airspace, numerous flights were cancelled or diverted to other airports, most notably Palermo. Local authorities and civil protection services remain on high alert as the volcanic activity continues. Travelers are advised to monitor flight schedules closely as ongoing atmospheric conditions continue to impact visibility and safety within the region.