Etna's ash cloud temporarily halts flights at Catania Airport

Takeoffs and landings at Catania Airport have been temporarily suspended due to an ash cloud rising from Mount Etna.

12punto 16 September 2026

An ash cloud rising once again from Mount Etna on the Italian island of Sicily has disrupted air traffic at Catania Airport. Due to the ash cloud that formed on the morning of Tuesday, September 15, takeoffs and landings at the airport were temporarily halted.

According to VONA, the volcanic activity notification system for aviation, the ash cloud reached an altitude of approximately 4 kilometers and moved southward toward the airport. Following this development, the aviation alert level for the volcano was raised back to red, the highest level.

Lava flows seen on Mount Etna during the night hours.

Due to volcanic ash and wind conditions, the C1 and B3 airspace sectors were closed. It was reported that flight operations at Catania Airport have been suspended until at least 10:00 local time.

The cloud of ash and smoke rising from Etna was also visible from residential areas.

Etna, which has seen increased activity in recent weeks, also caused disruptions to air travel in the region in August. Due to ash clouds emitted by the volcano, flight restrictions and cancellations had previously occurred in Catania.

Volcanic activity at Etna caused ash clouds to rise.