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 an extension of airspace restrictions, disrupting travel during the peak summer holiday season. The impact of the recent eruption was not limited to Sicily, as flight cancellations and significant delays were experienced in neighboring Malta as volcanic ash spread south across the Mediterranean.
Catania airport, the main gateway to Sicily and Italy’s fifth busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic, is frequently affected by Mount Etna’s activities. Recent volcanic events have caused disruptions for travelers, with lava flows and smoke seen rising from the crater during the eruptions on July 5 and 6, as depicted in the accompanying images.
Satellite imagery captured smoke emanating from Mount Etna on Tuesday, showcasing the extent of the volcanic activity. Additionally, a drone view displayed lava flowing down a slope during an eruption the same day.
Since last week, travel disruptions have plagued eastern Sicily due to heightened volcanic activity and shifting winds carrying ash across the region. Stranded passengers were pictured waiting at the terminal following the closure of Catania airport on Monday due to the ash cloud from Mount Etna.
While conditions seemed to be improving on Wednesday, Malta International Airport continued to caution passengers about potential disruptions. The prolonged restrictions at Catania have placed additional strain on other airports in Sicily. Palermo’s airport accommodated 190 flights that were originally slated for Catania, and Comiso airport, a smaller facility south of Catania, resumed full operations after temporarily halting flights on Tuesday evening due to ash from Mount Etna.