Overview
- A strong ash emission from Mount Etna’s northeast crater on Saturday sent a plume about four kilometres high and led Aeroporto Fontanarossa to suspend all arrivals and departures.
- The airport operator extended the full ban on takeoffs and landings into Sunday under a red aviation alert to protect aircraft from ash damage.
- Airlines are diverting flights and relocating passengers to nearby Sicilian airports such as Palermo and Comiso while carriers provide rebooking, refunds and passenger care under EU rules.
- INGV reports that winds are carrying ash southward and officials warn the situation is fluid, meaning closures and airspace limits could change at short notice.
- Mount Etna is Europe’s most active volcano and has repeatedly disrupted Catania’s operations in recent months, creating lasting impacts on tourism and regional connectivity.