Etna eruption halts flights at Catania — thousands of tourists stranded
Ash clouds and lava from multiple vents have forced Catania airport to suspend flights; about 30,000 people are affected.
Published: 12 August, 2026 13:53. Mount Etna's renewed activity has grounded large parts of Sicily's air traffic and left thousands of holidaymakers unable to leave the island.
Only a handful of flights have been able to operate at Catania–Fontanarossa airport since the volcano began expelling ash and hot rock last Friday. Early on Tuesday just one domestic flight managed to depart; authorities say air traffic at the airport was completely stopped until 11:00 on Wednesday. More than 200 flights have been rerouted or cancelled.
Strong lava flows from multiple vents
The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reports dense pyroclastic flows issuing from two vents located at 2,360 and 2,750 metres above sea level. A new opening emerged overnight at roughly 1,900 metres. Etna itself rises to more than 3,300 metres and is closely monitored because of its frequent eruptions.
With Catania airport only about 20 miles from the crater, operators say volcanic ash is particularly hazardous for aircraft engines. A social media post captured the disruption and read: "This is the insane situation at Catania airport" followed by the explanation, "Every time Etna erupts, the airport, only about 20 miles from the crater, gets closed or discontinued, because volcanic ash is extremely dangerous for aircraft" and the comment, "Still a huge inconvenience for passengers."
Authorities have placed Catania airport at the highest, red, alert level. Air traffic decisions are being taken at short notice during the peak holiday period: the disruption comes on the fifth day of peak season operations. Passengers have been trying to reroute to Palermo; hotels on the island are fully booked and many visitors have had to extend their stays, with some sleeping at the airport.
Official estimates put the number of people affected at about 30,000. Emergency services and local officials continue to monitor lava flows and ash dispersal while coordinating transport options for stranded travellers.
Photo: Принтскрин/Икс/Креирано со ВИ
