Mount Etna — one of the world’s most active volcanoes — has entered a new phase of intense activity since the weekend of July 4–5, 2026, ejecting hot ash and lava. According to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), an ash plume rose approximately 1.5 kilometers above the volcano’s summit.
Live Footage Shows Dramatic Eruption
Real-time images from monitoring stations captured striking visuals of the eruption, including glowing lava flows descending the volcano’s slopes.
Catania Airport Closed Amid Ash Fallout
Due to the volcanic ash drifting over eastern Sicily, all flights to and from Catania Fontanarossa Airport — Sicily’s busiest air hub — have been suspended. Authorities announced a full halt to both incoming and outgoing flights.
The restriction remains in effect until 10:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday — 11:00 a.m. Greek time — after which officials plan to reassess conditions and issue a new update.
Travelers with scheduled departures or arrivals are urged to contact their airlines before heading to the airport for the latest information on flight status.