Mount Etna on Sicily’s eastern coast erupted on August 7, 2026. The eruption is sending ash plumes into the sky. This is causing travel chaos. Flights into Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) have been suspended. The situation is ongoing.
Ash Cloud Causes Widespread Flight Disruptions
Europe’s most active volcano, Mount Etna, began a new eruptive phase on August 7, 2026. The eruption is characterized by significant ash emissions. These emissions have led to the suspension of flights at Catania Fontanarossa Airport. The airport operator stated that arrivals and departures would remain suspended. Hundreds of flights have been canceled or diverted. The ash plumes have drifted as far as Malta and Libya. Aviation authorities have issued warnings due to the risk posed by ash clouds to aircraft. The Aviation Color Code has swung between red and orange multiple times. Volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines.
According to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the eruption is fed by vents at approximately 2,750 and 2,360 meters. This activity is producing extensive lava flows. There is also near-continuous explosive activity from the Voragine crater. The Valle del Bove, a large depression on Etna’s eastern flank, is helping to channel lava flows away from populated areas.
Mount Etna’s Volcanic History
Mount Etna is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. It has erupted repeatedly over the past 500,000 years. The volcano typically erupts several times a year. It has produced over 70 paroxysmal eruptions in the last six years alone. While this current eruptive phase began around August 7, 2026, volcanic activity has been noted recently. Mount Etna had strong strombolian activity and ash emissions in early July 2026. Prior to that, in August 2025, there was a significant ash crisis. Volcanologists interpret this ongoing activity as part of a reorganisation of Etna’s magmatic system.
Current Situation and Official Statements
As of August 14, 2026, flights into Catania remain suspended with no clear end in sight. The airport operator, SAC, has indicated that operations will be suspended until at least 2 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The INGV is closely monitoring lava paths and ash drift. While no major damage or injuries have been reported, authorities are on alert. The situation highlights the dynamic nature of Mount Etna. Its activity can change rapidly, with lava flows, explosive bursts, and ash clouds often visible. Giorgio Costa, a PhD student at the University of Catania, stated that the volcano’s current activity is “perfectly normal” for Etna, despite the disruptions.
Reactions and Expert Commentary
The disruptions have caused significant inconvenience for thousands of passengers with pre-booked flights. Tourists have been flocking to see the spectacle of molten lava spewing from the volcano. While ash inhalation is not ideal for respiratory health, wearing a mask is recommended. Experts predict that this current eruptive phase could be just the beginning of a restless period for Europe’s most active volcano.
What’s Next
The duration of the flight suspensions at Catania Airport remains uncertain. Travellers are advised to monitor news updates closely and check their flight status before heading to the airport. The INGV will continue to monitor seismic tremors, ground deformation, and gas emissions for any changes in the volcano’s activity. The unpredictable nature of volcanic eruptions means that further disruptions are possible. Mount Etna’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscores its global significance, even as its current activity causes local challenges.
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