Etna Volcano Activity Disrupts Catania Airport Flights

Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano standing at approximately 3,350 meters in Sicily, Italy, has entered a new eruptive phase. This activity has led to renewed operational limitations at Catania Airport on Friday, with several flights being diverted.

The latest eruptions have seen lava flows originating from the Voragine crater, accompanied by an eruptive cloud dispersing towards the southeast. This phenomenon has been observed multiple times throughout the summer. The volcanic activity is linked to a sudden increase in volcanic tremor amplitude, which began around 9:00 PM on Thursday and has reached elevated levels, showing a tendency to continue rising, according to the Etna observatory of the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).

The Volcanic Ash Advisory (VAA) has been raised to its highest level due to the current eruptive phase. This is impacting operations at Catania Airport. While takeoffs have been guaranteed, three incoming flights were diverted. As of 12:00 PM, arrivals under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) are temporarily suspended, though departures remain normal.

To assist passengers affected by the disruptions, the national railway company Trenitalia has introduced special connections. The situation highlights the ongoing dynamic nature of Mount Etna and its potential to impact regional infrastructure and travel.