Italy’s Etna volcano erupts, disrupting flights in Sicily

Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano, has erupted, spewing lava and creating massive ash clouds that have significantly disrupted air travel in the region.

Volcanic activity intensifies

According to the Italian news agency ANSA, the 3,030-meter-tall volcano on the island of Sicily has been experiencing increased volcanic activity.

The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported that the eruption has sent lava flows from the volcano, accompanied by ash clouds reaching up to 10 kilometers (18.6 miles) high and drifting southeast.

‘Red’ code alert for flights

INGV has issued a “red” code warning for aircraft flying in the vicinity. The ash clouds have led to significant flight disruptions at Catania Fontanarossa Airport.

Airport authorities have announced a reduction in the number of incoming flights to six per hour and the closure of part of the airport facilities.

Due to the ongoing volcanic activity, operations at Catania Fontanarossa Airport have been severely affected.

Officials have reported that flight arrivals will be limited, and some airport sections will be temporarily closed to ensure passenger safety.

Recent volcanic history

Mount Etna has shown frequent volcanic activity since early July, following a period of dormancy after a major eruption in December 2023.

The December event saw the volcano forcefully expel ash and lava, and since then, it had remained relatively quiet until the resurgence of activity this summer.