All inbound and outbound flights at Catania Airport, Italy’s fifth-busiest by passenger traffic, remain halted until 2am local time on 14 August 2026 due to ash emissions from Mount Etna, airport operator SAC confirmed.
The suspension affects all scheduled services today and follows a week of widespread flight cancellations and diversions. Travelers booked at Catania Airport should verify flight status directly with airlines.
Alternative Airports Absorb Diverted Flights
Palermo Airport in Sicily has taken on 190 flights originally scheduled for Catania in recent days, according to Palermo Mayor Roberto Lagalla. The influx has strained onward transport, causing delays for passengers relying on buses and taxis
after arrival.
Comiso Airport, located south of Catania, also temporarily suspended flights on Tuesday evening because of volcanic ash but resumed full operations by Wednesday, reducing some pressure on regional air traffic networks.
Volcanic Activity and Air Traffic Disruption
Mount Etna’s renewed eruption began on 6 August 2026, producing increased ash emissions. Marco Viccaro, president of the Italian Volcanological Association, stated the activity is more energetic and sustained than previous events, driven by deeper, gas-rich magma. He said, “This suggests that deeper, gas-rich magma is playing a more active role, making the fragmentation process more efficient and leading to increased ash production, which is severely disrupting
air traffic to and from Catania airport.”
The ash cloud has also affected Malta International Airport, located about 220 km south of Etna, causing flight disruptions around 11 August 2026. Malta airport authorities advised passengers to check flight status before travelling.
Impact on Passengers and Transportation
The extended closure at Catania Airport coincides with the peak summer holiday season, amplifying its effects on thousands of passengers. The diversion of flights to Palermo has created logistical challenges, as the airport’s transport infrastructure is struggling to meet surging demand.
Passengers rerouted to Palermo reported insufficient onward transportation options, generating congestion and travel delays. Authorities continue to manage
the increased passenger volumes amid the ongoing disruption.
Regional Airport Operations and Industry Context
Mount Etna is Europe’s highest and most active volcano, which regularly disrupts air traffic at nearby Catania Airport. In response, regional airports like Palermo and Comiso have absorbed overflow traffic during past interruptions.
In May 2026, SAC, the operator of Catania Airport, initiated the sale of a stake of at least 51 percent in the airport, reflecting efforts to restructure amid operational challenges. The current eruption’s persistence continues to affect Sicily’s main air travel hub and the surrounding region.
