Ash from Mount Etna eruption leads to hundreds of flight cancellations in Sicily

14th August, 2026 | News

Mount Etna Ash Forces Flight Suspensions at Sicily Airport

Drifting volcanic ash from Mount Etna has forced the suspension of flights at Catania Fontanarossa Airport in Sicily, with operations halted until 2am on Saturday (1am UK time), according to airport operator SAC.

Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano, began its latest period of activity on August 6, with experts reporting unusually high levels of ash emissions.

The eruption has caused major disruption to air travel, with about 400 departures cancelled between August 8 and 11, followed by another 52 cancellations on Wednesday. Including cancelled arrivals, around 700 flights have reportedly been affected.

Volcanologist Marco Viccaro said the current activity appears more energetic and sustained than previous episodes, suggesting that deeper, gas-rich magma is contributing to increased ash production.

Catania Airport frequently experiences disruptions when Mount Etna becomes active because volcanic ash can pose serious risks to aircraft operations.