Mount Etna Aviation Alert
Mount Etna Eruption Triggers Red Aviation Alert and Disrupts Sicilian Flights
Anonymous
Mount Etna emitted ash plumes reaching about 4 kilometers, prompting Italy’s highest aviation warning as ash drifted south or southeast. Reports differed on the effects at Catania Airport: some said incoming flights were suspended or restricted, with flights diverted to other Sicilian airports, while others reported that operations continued without disruption. Passengers were advised to check directly with airlines as conditions and flight schedules could change. Volcanic tremors were reported at medium-low levels in one account.
Key Points
1
Before the suspension, Catania reduced arrivals to four per hour from its usual capacity of about 12; one report said incoming flights were suspended until 16:00 local time on Saturday, with temporary limits also imposed on departures.
2
Ten flights were redirected to other Sicilian airports: five to Palermo, three to Trapani and two to Comiso. A Volotea flight from Catania to Verona also operated from Comiso instead.
3
The airport’s Operational Coordination Unit closed airspace sector C1, barring both landings and take-offs during the suspension period.
4
INGV raised Etna’s aviation color code from orange to red at 18:11 UTC on September 16, 2026, citing ongoing ash emissions.
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