Mount Etna ash suspends flights at Catania Airport in Sicily for a third consecutive day

Flight operations at Italy's Catania Airport were suspended for a third consecutive day on Monday, 28 September, after volcanic ash from Mount Etna affected airspace around Sicily's largest airport.

Catania International Airport said in an update at 8am local time that flight activity had been suspended until 11.59pm on Monday because of volcanic ash in the atmosphere. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines before travelling to the airport.

The disruption affects travellers using Catania as a gateway to eastern Sicily, a popular destination for international visitors.

The airport had initially suspended arrivals and departures on Saturday, 26 September, following volcanic activity and weather conditions. The restriction was subsequently extended to Sunday and then Monday.

Volcanic ash affects airport operations

The disruption was linked to ash released by Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano.

Catania Airport said the suspension was imposed following the emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere. The airport's notices have repeatedly advised passengers to verify their flight status with their airline before setting out.

Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), through its Catania branch and Etneo Observatory, issued aviation notices during the episode. Its records show that Etna's aviation alert level was raised to red on 24 and 26 September before being lowered to orange on 28 September.

Volcanic ash poses a particular risk to aircraft because particles can enter engines and affect aviation systems. As a result, airports can suspend operations when ash is present in flight paths or nearby airspace.

Catania's airport operator has previously diverted or restricted flights during periods of Etna activity because of ash.

Flights can be diverted to other Sicilian airports

Catania Airport is one of the main gateways to Sicily and serves the eastern part of the island, including the city of Catania and areas around Mount Etna.

When Catania is unable to handle normal operations, some flights can be redirected to other airports in Sicily, including Palermo and Comiso, depending on operational conditions and airline arrangements.

Passengers affected by cancellations or diversions have been advised to contact their airlines directly and check the latest airport information before travelling.

The airport's Monday notice did not provide a timetable for the restoration of normal operations beyond the 11.59pm deadline. The status depends on the conditions in the affected airspace and further assessments of volcanic ash.

Etna remains under close monitoring

Mount Etna rises to more than 3,000 metres on Sicily's eastern coast and is one of Europe's most active volcanoes.

Its height changes over time because repeated eruptions and lava deposits can alter the summit area. The volcano is monitored continuously by INGV's Etneo Observatory.

INGV's latest monitoring information on 28 September showed moderate thermal activity in the summit area during the preceding week. Satellite observations recorded a maximum thermal-flux anomaly of 11.07 megawatts on 28 September at 14:05 UTC.

The institute's aviation notices are issued specifically to alert pilots, air-traffic controllers and other aviation personnel to volcanic activity that could create an ash-cloud hazard.

Repeated disruptions during 2026

The September closure is part of a series of flight disruptions associated with Mount Etna's activity this year.

INGV records show multiple aviation colour-code changes for Etna during September, including red and orange alerts on several dates. Red aviation alerts were issued on 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 16, 24 and 26 September, with orange alerts also issued during periods of heightened activity.

Catania Airport also suspended flights on 14 September following another episode involving volcanic ash.

The airport is particularly sensitive to Etna's activity because of its location close to the volcano. While eruptions do not automatically result in flight suspensions, ash in the atmosphere can require restrictions on arrivals and departures.

Travellers advised to check before departure

For travellers from Singapore heading to eastern Sicily, the airport operator is advising passengers to check their flight status with their airline before leaving for Catania Airport.

The latest airport notice applies through 11.59pm local time on 28 September, although the restriction can be modified depending on volcanic and weather conditions.

Further updates are expected from Catania Airport and Italian volcanic monitoring authorities as assessments of Etna's activity and the movement of volcanic ash continue.