Mount Etna eruption halts flights at Catania airport

Hundreds of passengers were left stranded at Catania–Fontanarossa Airport in Sicily after a sudden eruption of Mount Etna on Saturday. The volcano’s ash plume and seismic activity forced the airport to suspend all arrivals and departures for several hours, grounding flights from both domestic and international carriers.

Air traffic control and emergency services responded quickly, directing stranded travelers to the airport’s temporary shelter and arranging ground transport to nearby hotels. The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that the eruption caused a temporary loss of visibility and ash contamination of runways, prompting the temporary closure. Airlines have announced that affected flights will be rescheduled or refunded, and authorities are monitoring the volcano’s activity closely.

Officials have urged passengers to check the latest travel advisories and remain patient as the airport works to restore normal operations. The incident underscores the ongoing risk posed by Mount Etna’s frequent activity to the region’s aviation and tourism sectors.