Etna volcano spews 1.5-kilometer ash column; Sicily airspace closed

Sicily's Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, erupted Sunday, forcing the partial closure of airspace over the Italian island. Operations at Catania airport were restricted due to a volcanic ash emission.

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Due to eruptive activity and the consequent emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere, the airspace corresponding to the ash cloud located south of the volcano (sector B2) has been ordered closed.

The airport management company (SAC) announced the closure of the airspace corresponding to the ash cloud south of the volcano. The measure, initially planned until 7 p.m. local time, suspended all incoming flights to Catania. Departing flights from aircraft already on the ground remained operational.

The ash emission started around 5:45 GMT and intensified by 6:45 GMT, creating a 1.5-kilometer high ash column. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported that winds were displacing the ash southward. Forecasting models indicated the ash dispersion would continue in that direction for several hours.

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The conditions are becoming increasingly difficult due to the northwesterly wind, which is strengthening, and the intense heat prevailing. The fire is intensifying, we must continue the fight.

SAC advised passengers to check their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport. Etna began a new eruptive phase on June 26, characterized by lava expulsion, which increased surveillance levels. Although lava flows from late June had stopped by July 4, this sudden ash emission disrupted travel plans for thousands.

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We started seeing smoke around 10:30 p.m. local time, then it spread more and more. Someone from the municipal authority knocked on our door around 1 a.m. to tell us to leave. There were fire trucks everywhere, the smell of burning overwhelmed us.