ITA Airways suspends flights at Catania Airport after Mount Etna ash emission
Volcanic ash from Mount Etna forced the temporary closure of Catania Fontanarossa Airport, prompting ITA Airways to cancel or reschedule all flights.
Volcanic activity at Mount Etna caused an ash cloud to rise to about 1.5 kilometres this morning, leading authorities to suspend operations at Catania Fontanarossa Airport. ITA Airways announced on its X account that all departing and arriving flights are being cancelled or rescheduled and advised passengers to verify their flight status online.
The ash emissions began around 7:45 a.m. from the Voragine crater on the volcano's eastern flank and intensified by 8:45 a.m., according to local reports. Forecast models indicate the ash plume will drift toward the southern and south-southeast sectors in the coming hours.
"Due to Mount Etna’s volcanic activity and the presence of volcanic ash in the atmosphere, operations at Catania Fontanarossa Airport have been temporarily suspended," the airline said.
Travelers are urged to check the airline’s website or app for updates before heading to the airport.
