**Mount Etna Eruption Triggers Major Aviation Disruptions in Sicily**
Sicily is currently experiencing its most significant aviation crisis in over 20 years due to a prolonged eruption of Mount Etna, which has been active since August 6. The continuous volcanic activity has resulted in hundreds of flight cancellations, leaving thousands of travelers stranded during the peak summer holiday season.
Mount Etna, recognized as Europe’s tallest and most active volcano, has been producing impressive lava fountains, fresh lava flows, and persistent emissions of volcanic ash. Experts predict that this activity may persist for several weeks, or even months. The volcanic ash has been the primary cause of the aviation disruptions, with shifting winds directing the ash toward Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, located approximately 30 kilometers south of the volcano.
As a result of the ongoing eruptions, Catania-Fontanarossa Airport has implemented strict flight restrictions. On Tuesday, the airport announced a limitation on arrivals to just ten per hour due to the hazardous conditions caused by Etna’s eruptive activity and the accompanying ash emissions. In recent days, this cap has been further reduced to as low as five arrivals per hour, necessitating frequent schedule changes to ensure passenger safety.
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is the busiest airport in Sicily and ranks as the sixth busiest in Italy. The airport's operator, Societa Aeroporti Catania (SAC), has described the current situation as “the most difficult emergency of the last 20 years.” Between August 6 and August 12, approximately 36% of the nearly 1,974 scheduled arrivals were canceled, and around 630 incoming flights were diverted. By August 13, the total number of canceled flights had surged to nearly 800, significantly impacting travel plans for tens of thousands of passengers.
Drone footage released by the Ruptly video agency has captured the dramatic scenes at Mount Etna, showcasing the volcano illuminating the night sky with jets of glowing lava erupting from its summit and cascading down its slopes.
The current eruption is notable not only for its intensity but also for its duration. Salvo Gambino, director of the Etnean Observatory at Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), stated that such prolonged activity is unusual, typically lasting only a few hours to half a day. He noted that the last time similar prolonged eruptions were observed was in the late 1970s.
Multiple areas of Mount Etna are currently exhibiting volcanic activity, with lava fountains and ash emissions observed at the Voragine crater and several vents contributing to flows in the Valle del Bove. A new vent opened on the eastern side of the volcano on Monday; however, INGV has indicated that the lava flow does not pose a threat to populated areas at this time.
Italy’s Civil Protection Department has maintained a yellow alert status for Mount Etna since June 26, which is the second level of a four-tier alert system. Despite the heightened monitoring and restrictions, particularly at higher altitudes, the volcanic activity has attracted large crowds of visitors, leading to congestion and prompting some hiking trails to be closed. The local rescue service has also issued warnings, urging caution due to the increased number of callouts related to the ongoing volcanic activity.
As the situation continues to evolve, authorities remain vigilant in monitoring Mount Etna's activity and its impact on aviation and local safety. Travelers are advised to stay informed about flight status and potential disruptions as the region navigates this unprecedented volcanic event.