Catania airport suspends operations due to Mount Etna eruption

On September 26, 2026, authorities suspended all incoming flights at Catania–Fontanarossa Airport in Italy following a significant eruption of Mount Etna. The activity at the volcano's North-East crater produced an eruptive cloud reaching approximately 4 kilometers in height, scattering volcanic ash across the region. The airport, which serves as Italy's fifth busiest, is expected to remain closed for arrivals until 13:00 Cyprus time on September 27.

The disruption is further compounded by adverse weather conditions, which have complicated efforts to manage the airspace. While Catania frequently faces flight interruptions due to Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, officials note that the current period has been marked by unusually intense ash emissions. This ongoing activity has caused significant logistical challenges throughout the summer, affecting thousands of passengers during the peak tourist season.

Authorities continue to monitor atmospheric data to determine when it will be safe to resume normal operations. While some reports suggested delays until the afternoon of September 26, the latest updates indicate the closure remains in effect until the following day.