- Mount Etna's eruption started between August 5 and August 6, sending volcanic ash into the sky.
- On Monday morning, all inbound flights at Catania Airport were halted due to the volcanic activity.
- In the afternoon, the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology issued a new aviation alert, raising VONA to the highest level.
- The arrivals suspension at Catania Airport was extended from 5pm to 7pm, then to 9pm, and later to 6am the next day.
- A new eruptive vent opened in the Valle del Bove at around 9:30pm Monday at an altitude of ~1,900 meters.
- Flights continue to be cancelled or diverted, with departures only from runway 08.
- At least 90 flights have been re-scheduled, and over 100 diverted to Palermo in the last three days.
Mount Etna's latest eruption has caused significant disruption at Catania Airport, with arrivals suspended until 7pm local time and departures limited to runway 08 due to ash drifting into airspace. The eruption, which began on August 6, has led to ongoing flight cancellations and delays.
As of this morning, 13 out of 37 scheduled arrivals were cancelled, with two flights diverted to Palermo and three delayed. The airport's official departures board indicated multiple delays, including a 10.35am flight to London Gatwick and an 11.10am flight to London Stansted.
The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology has raised the aviation alert level to the highest status, indicating the severity of the situation. Passengers are advised to check flight statuses directly with airlines, as the ash cloud continues to affect operations. One traveler shared their experience on social media, detailing a chaotic journey home due to the cancellations.3
Currently, Mount Etna is at a yellow alert level, with officials warning that volcanic activity can change unexpectedly. The Civil Protection Department monitors the situation closely, as the volcano's activity remains unpredictable.
Travelers are reminded that while airlines may classify disruptions due to volcanic ash as extraordinary circumstances, they still have rights to refunds or rerouting, and should keep receipts for any essential expenses incurred during delays.
“The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology raised the aviation alert to the highest level, with a new eruptive vent opening in the Valle del Bove at around 1,900 meters. At least 90 flights have been re-scheduled, and over 100 diverted to Palermo in the last three days.”
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