Sicilian airport still shut as Mount Etna eruption continues to disrupt travel plans

WorldTravel
13 Aug 2026 • 6:41 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Sicilian airport still shut as Mount Etna eruption continues to disrupt travel plans

  • All inward and outward flights at Catania airport in Sicily have been suspended until at least 2am local time on 14 August due to ash from ongoing volcanic activity at Mount Etna.
  • Airport operator SAC has urged travellers to verify the status of their journeys directly with their airlines before travelling to the terminal during the peak summer holiday season.
  • The flight suspensions have placed severe strain on alternative Sicilian airports, with Palermo absorbing 190 diverted flights, causing extra traffic, transport shortages and delays.
  • Italian Volcanological Association president Marco Viccaro stated that Mount Etna's latest activity is unusually energetic due to deeper, gas-rich magma producing higher levels of ash.
  • The impact of Mount Etna's eruption has extended beyond Italy, leading to flight disruptions at Malta International Airport, located 220 kilometres south of the active volcano.

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