Etna Disrupts Air Transport in Sicily, Catania Airport Closes and Thousands of Travelers Stranded

Etna’s powerful eruptive activity and ash spreading through the atmosphere have severely disrupted air transport in Sicily, leading to the complete closure of Catania’s “Vincenzo Bellini” International Airport.

All departures and arrivals have been suspended, while thousands of passengers have been forced to wait amid uncertainty over the continuation of their journeys.

SAC, the company that operates Catania Airport, announced that measures to close several sectors of airspace had been extended because of Etna’s eruptions and the presence of volcanic ash in the air.

The notice stated that flights to and from Catania Airport would remain suspended until 11:00 a.m. on August 12.

Authorities have asked passengers to check the status of their flights with the relevant airline before going to the airport.

Numerous cancellations, diversions and delays have created major difficulties for travelers. Long lines have formed in the terminal, while reactions from passengers seeking information about flights and alternative transport options have increased on social media.

For several days, Etna’s craters have been emitting considerable amounts of ash, while the volcano’s eruptive activity continues.

Driven toward the south-southwest, the ash cloud has reached the Catania area and “Vincenzo Bellini” Airport. Ash deposits have been recorded on roads, in urban and rural areas, on hills and on beaches.

Belpasso is among the worst-hit areas, while ash has also covered Adrano, Ragalna and Paternò.

The consequences are not limited to aviation. Volcanic ash is also complicating road traffic and cleanup operations in populated areas, as layers can settle on roads, roofs, balconies and other spaces, making specialized removal work necessary.

Catania Airport is considered one of Sicily’s main air transport hubs and, at the same time, one of the busiest airports in Italy.

Its closure has led to some flights being redirected to Palermo Airport. Meanwhile, Comiso Airport, which is also operated by SAC, has continued to function.

However, the diversion of flights to Palermo has created further obstacles for passengers, as the distances and traffic conditions in Sicily complicate travel to final destinations.

The previous day, Catania Airport had not accepted arriving flights, which also affected departures. Some routes were canceled or diverted, including flights to the Italian cities of Milan, Bergamo and Bologna, as well as destinations outside Italy.

Etna continues to show intense activity. Data from the Etna Observatory of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) indicate that eruptions in the summit craters may produce volcanic clouds and ash emissions, posing a direct risk to flights. In such circumstances, the VONA aviation code may be raised to the highest alert level.

The volcano’s activity also includes lava flows along its slopes. Although they create a rare natural spectacle at higher elevations, authorities are urging visitors to stay away from dangerous areas and comply with the restrictions in force.

As one of Sicily’s most important natural attractions, Etna draws tourists interested in seeing the eruptions, lava fountains and ash releases up close.

But the unusual spectacle that attracts visitors has turned into chaos for thousands of passengers.

Lengthy waits, cancellations, diversions and uncertainty over onward travel have left many people stranded at airports or forced them to find other ways to reach their destinations.

Authorities and aviation bodies are monitoring the situation continuously. The resumption of flights will be decided based on the movement of the ash and safety conditions in the airspace.