Volcanic Eruption Forces Flight Cancellations at Sicily's Catania Airport

A sudden eruption of Mount Etna in Sicily caused the temporary closure of the airspace over Catania, leading to the cancellation of dozens of flights from major airlines including Israir, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Lufthansa, and British Airways. The volcanic ash cloud reached approximately 4,500 meters, prompting Italian aviation authorities to raise the air alert level to red and suspend all arrivals and departures at Catania Airport until at least the afternoon. Many flights were diverted to alternative airports such as Palermo and other locations in Sicily and Europe.

Israir, which operates flights to Catania, reported disruptions and is maintaining continuous contact with airport authorities while awaiting further instructions. The airline hopes to resume flights during the night, contingent on safety conditions. Passengers were advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport due to ongoing uncertainty.

Mount Etna is one of the world's most active volcanoes, and its eruptions frequently pose risks to aviation by releasing large amounts of volcanic ash that can damage aircraft engines. As a result, authorities prioritize safety by closing airspace until the danger subsides. The disruption affected not only European routes but also long-haul flights, including Delta flights to New York and Air Canada flights to Montreal.