Overview
- Italian volcanologists at INGV reported a renewed explosive phase and rising volcanic tremor at the Voragine crater, with multiple vents active and ongoing monitoring.
- Catania-Fontanarossa has closed airport sectors B1 and B2 and limited arrivals to five aircraft per hour while departures remain unrestricted, with aviation notices raised over ash hazards.
- Airport operator SAC said the eruptions caused the worst disruption in about 20 years, reporting over 1,000 canceled flights and roughly 100,000 passengers affected during the week.
- A 29-year-old U.S. tourist was struck by lightning and died while hiking in a restricted area of Etna, an event reported by emergency services on Monday, August 17.
- Local and national officials have renewed calls to reassess Catania airport’s exposure to Etna, and broad slope closures and round‑the‑clock monitoring remain in place as authorities manage safety and recovery.