Mount Etna erupted violently on Monday, September 14, 2026. The eruption sent a massive ash cloud into the sky. This has caused significant disruption at Catania Airport in Sicily, Italy. Flights have been suspended, leading to cancellations and diversions. Authorities have raised the aviation alert level to red. The situation is developing.
Mount Etna Erupts, Ash Cloud Disrupts Air Travel
Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, erupted on Monday morning, September 14, 2026. The eruption produced a significant ash cloud that rose approximately 4 kilometers (4,000 meters) into the atmosphere. This volcanic ash has severely impacted air traffic at Catania Airport (CTA), located in Catania, Sicily, Italy.
Landings at Catania Airport were initially suspended until 4:00 PM local time. However, the situation worsened. Catania Airport later announced that flight operations would be suspended until 10:00 AM on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Departures have also been suspended until 10:00 PM local time on Monday. As of Monday evening, a total of 34 flights had been cancelled, and 38 had been diverted.
Emergency Response and Official Statements
The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) has issued a Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation. Mount Etna has been placed on the highest aviation alert level, RED. This alert level indicates a significant volcanic hazard. Previously, the alert level was ORANGE before being raised due to the latest activity.
Emergency services are monitoring the situation closely. Authorities are urging residents and tourists to stay indoors and wear masks if they need to go outside to avoid inhaling ash. Official channels are being monitored for any evacuation orders.
Context of Mount Etna’s Activity
Mount Etna is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. It has a long history of eruptions, with activity increasing noticeably in recent years. In August 2026, sustained eruptions resumed, causing temporary closures of Catania Airport due to ash clouds. This current eruption is part of a pattern of frequent volcanic activity at Etna.
The volcano’s frequent eruptions make it one of the best-monitored volcanoes globally. Scientists study Etna to understand volcanic processes and to anticipate future eruptions. Recent research suggests Etna can switch between slow-building eruptions and explosive blasts rising from deep underground in just hours.
Current Situation and Affected Areas
The ash cloud from the eruption is moving south, directly towards Catania Airport. Surveillance cameras show the cloud, which has risen to about 4 kilometers high. The situation at Catania Airport remains critical, with flight operations severely disrupted. Passengers are advised to check their flight status with their airlines before traveling to the airport.
Two sections of airspace, C1 and B3, have been closed due to the ash. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) in Toulouse has warned of volcanic ash plumes. On September 10, 2026, a plume was reported at 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) moving northeast. Another report on September 10 stated a plume rising to 4,900 meters (16,000 feet) moving south.
Reactions to the Eruption
The UK government has updated its travel advice for Italy due to the disruption. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) urged travelers to check with their providers and Catania Airport. Social media is buzzing with images and videos of the eruption, showing the massive ash cloud.
Dr. Risotto Berlusconi, a volcanologist with Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), described the event as “one of the most violent eruptions we’ve seen from Etna in recent history.” He cited the combination of lava flows, pyroclastic activity, and atmospheric conditions as creating a “perfect storm for volcanic lightning.”
What’s Next
Flight operations at Catania Airport are expected to remain suspended until at least 10:00 AM on September 15, 2026. Investigations into the eruption’s dynamics are ongoing. Scientists will continue to monitor Mount Etna’s activity closely. The long-term implications of this eruption for the region and air travel will become clearer in the coming days and weeks.
Travelers planning trips to or from Sicily are advised to stay informed about the latest updates from their airlines and airport authorities. Further information will be released by INGV as the situation develops.
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