Etna ash plume forces closure of Catania Fontanarossa Airport and halts flights
A fresh ash emission from Etna’s north-east crater prompted the shutdown of Catania Fontanarossa Airport, cancelling dozens of arrivals and departures until at least 16:00 on Saturday.
A new eruption at Etna’s north-east crater released ash that forced the closure of Catania Fontanarossa Airport, suspending all inbound flights and most departures until at least 16:00 on Saturday. The ash plume reached roughly four kilometres in height and, aided by upper-level winds, drifted south toward the airport, causing the operational coordination core to close the C1 airspace sector. The Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia issued a red Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation, the highest alert level.
Concurrent heavy rain in Catania made aircraft-area cleaning more difficult, and the airport’s official Facebook page confirmed the dual impact of volcanic ash and weather. Flights to destinations such as Istanbul, Pisa, Basel and Milan Linate were cancelled, while the Verona flight at 08:25 departed from the nearby Comiso airport. Travelers are advised to check with airlines for updates on delays, cancellations or possible diversions.
