Catania Airport Reopens After Mount Etna Eruption, but Flight Cancellations Continue

Catania Airport in Sicily has reopened following major disruption caused by Mount Etna’s eruption, but volcanic ash continues to restrict arrivals and trigger flight cancellations.

The airport said arriving flights were limited to five aircraft per hour until 2 p.m. Monday, August 17. Departures were operating without restrictions, although delays and cancellations were affecting Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways passengers.

New volcanic activity reported

A new volcanic vent opened on Mount Etna early Monday, producing another lava flow. Intense explosive activity and an ash plume were also reported from the summit area.

The continuing eruption has disrupted operations at Catania Airport for more than a week, leaving travelers stranded and forcing flights to be canceled or redirected to other airports.

Passengers advised to verify flights

Airport authorities urged passengers to check directly with their airlines before traveling to the terminal because operating restrictions could change as volcanic conditions develop.