Sicily’s Catania Airport Shuts Down as Mount Etna Spews Ash

Travelers heading to Sicily are facing major disruptions after Mount Etna roared back to life, forcing the closure of Catania Airport to incoming flights. The airport’s operator, SAC, announced Sunday that all evening and night arrivals are suspended until 5 a.m. local time on Monday, July 6, due to a shifting ash plume. Departures, however, are still allowed for planes already on the ground.

The decision came after winds pushed a thick cloud of volcanic ash—rising about 1.5 kilometers above Etna’s summit—southwestward, directly over the airport’s flight path. Earlier in the day, SAC had already closed the southern sector for landings. The ash began spewing from the Voragine crater on the volcano’s eastern slope around 8:45 a.m. Moscow time, according to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), and intensified within an hour.

Officials warn that restrictions could change quickly as the eruption evolves. Passengers are urged to check with their airlines before heading to the airport. Catania, a major gateway to eastern Sicily and a popular tourist hub, has seen Etna-related closures before, but this latest burst is a stark reminder of the volcano’s restless power. For now, those with evening or overnight flights should brace for delays or rebookings.