Mount Etna Eruption Causes Flight Disruption Across Sicily
Mount Etna Eruption Causes Flight Disruption Across Sicily
Travellers heading to Sicily are being urged to check their flight status after renewed volcanic activity at Mount Etna led to widespread disruption at Catania Airport, the island's busiest international gateway.
The latest eruption has forced temporary airspace restrictions, resulting in flight cancellations and delays for thousands of passengers travelling to and from eastern Sicily.
Catania Airport Faces Ongoing Disruption
Catania Airport has experienced significant disruption following the eruption, with flights cancelled throughout the day as volcanic ash affected airspace around the airport.
Passengers are being advised not to travel to the airport unless they have confirmed the status of their flight directly with their airline, as schedules continue to change.
The disruption began after Mount Etna produced a large ash plume, prompting aviation authorities to issue the highest level of volcanic alert for aircraft operating in the region. While some departures initially continued, operations were later suspended as safety restrictions were expanded.
Airlines Affected
A number of airlines operating between the UK, Europe and Sicily have been impacted by the disruption, including:
easyJet
Ryanair
Jet2
British Airways
Wizz Air
Iberia
Lufthansa
KLM
ITA Airways
SAS
Air France
Several long-haul services have also experienced disruption, including flights operated by Delta Air Lines and Air Canada.
Passengers due to travel over the coming days should continue to monitor airline updates, as volcanic activity can change rapidly and further operational restrictions may be introduced.
Palermo Airport Remains Open
While Catania has been affected by the eruption, Palermo Airport on Sicily's north coast has remained fully operational.
The airport has handled dozens of diverted flights, helping airlines minimise disruption while Catania deals with the impact of the volcanic ash cloud.
Travellers with flexible travel plans may wish to consider flying into Palermo and continuing their journey across the island by road or rail, depending on their final destination.
What Travellers Should Do
If you're travelling to or from Sicily in the coming days, it's recommended that you:
Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
Follow updates from your airline regarding delays or cancellations.
Allow extra time if your journey has been rerouted through another airport.
Ensure your travel insurance covers disruption caused by natural events.
Is It Still Safe to Visit Sicily?
Despite the disruption to air travel, Sicily remains open to visitors, and the volcanic activity is being closely monitored by the Italian authorities.
Mount Etna is Europe's most active volcano and erupts regularly. While spectacular to witness from a safe distance, eruptions can temporarily affect air travel due to volcanic ash, which poses a risk to aircraft.
For most visitors, the disruption is expected to be temporary, although travellers should remain flexible and stay informed until normal flight operations resume.