Full Breakdown
Mount Etna Ash Forces Third Consecutive Day Closure of Catania Airport
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Multi-day Flight Suspension at Catania-Fontanarossa
On September 26, 2026, volcanic ash from Mount Etna’s north-east crater prompted the operator of Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (Societa Aeroporto Catania, SAC) to halt all arrivals and departures. The suspension, initially set until the afternoon of September 27, was extended to midnight and then to Monday, September 28, marking the third consecutive day of a complete shutdown at Italy’s fifth-busiest airport.
Background & Context: Etna’s Persistent Threat to Sicilian Air Travel
Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, regularly emits ash plumes that drift over Catania. Fine ash can melt inside jet engines, potentially causing stalls. The volcano’s activity has repeatedly disrupted air traffic this summer, with closures on July 7, August 10, September 14, and a five-day shutdown in August that cancelled 36 % of nearly 2,000 scheduled arrivals.
Timeline of Recent Disruptions
- September 26 – Ash emission and adverse weather force the first suspension of inbound and outbound flights.
- September 27 – SAC extends the ban to midnight; airspace sectors C1 and B3 are closed.
- September 28 (scheduled) – SAC confirms the suspension will continue through the day, pending further ash-dispersion assessment.
Data & Statistics: Flight Cancellations, Diversions and Passenger Impact
- At least 10 flights were diverted on September 26, with five rerouted to Palermo, three to Trapani, and two to Comiso.
- Airlines including ITA Airways, Volotea and KM Malta cancelled services; KM Malta reported around 140 passengers affected by a single cancellation.
- The August episode cancelled roughly 36 % of scheduled arrivals and diverted over 600 flights to alternate Sicilian airports.
- Catania-Fontanarossa handles the highest passenger volume on the island; its closure strained the regional network, increasing congestion at Palermo, Comiso, Trapani and other airports.
Official Statements & Responses
- SAC advised passengers to verify flight status with airlines and said updates would follow each ash assessment.
- INGV reported the ash plume reached approximately 4 km above sea level and described the emission as a typical “cleansing” process, not an imminent explosive phase.
- The Italian aviation authority issued a red Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA), mandating the closure of the affected airspace sectors.
Criticism & Opposition
- Trade association Acli Terra warned the emergency was being exploited for fare increases, citing a Verona–Palermo route rising to roughly €1,180.
- Transport unions Filt Cgil, Fit Cisl, and Uiltrasporti Sicilia called the situation “total chaos,” criticizing the lack of a permanent contingency protocol for Etna-related disruptions and urging a standing agreement to protect airline and ground-staff conditions.
Impact on Travelers and Regional Airports
The shutdown left thousands of travelers stranded, forcing many to seek ground transportation or wait for re-routed flights at congested secondary airports. Demand for ground services at Palermo, Comiso, Trapani and Lamezia Terme surged, raising concerns about price volatility for holiday-season tickets.
What’s Next
SAC indicated that the continuation of the suspension on September 28 will depend on ash concentration and wind direction. Authorities will monitor INGV’s assessments and may adjust airspace restrictions accordingly. Passengers should maintain contact with airlines for real-time updates.