L'éruption de l'Etna ferme à répétition l'aéroport de Catane — vérifiez votre vol avant de partir en Sicile

What's happening

Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, began a fresh eruptive episode on 7 August 2026, when a new fissure opened on the Valle del Leone flank near the Voragine crater at roughly 2,750 metres. Ash plumes have reached altitudes of up to 7,300 metres (24,000 ft), and on the worst days have drifted as far as Malta and Libya.

Airport impact

Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) — Sicily's busiest, handling around 12 million passengers a year — has closed and reopened repeatedly since the eruption began. Italy's aviation authority closes the corresponding airspace sector whenever the ash cloud is judged hazardous to aircraft. The most recent closure suspended arrivals and departures until 2am on 15 August 2026, according to airport operator SAC.

More than 250 flights have been diverted to Palermo, Trapani, Comiso and Rome, and estimates of cancellations run into the hundreds — some reports put the total as high as 1,350 since the eruption started. Trenitalia has added extra rail services to help stranded passengers reach their destinations by train.

Is it safe to go to Sicily?

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has not issued a travel advisory against visiting Sicily. Its Italy guidance flags the ash cloud disruption specifically, rather than advising against the trip altogether. The volcanic alert level was downgraded from red to orange as of 9 August, though Strombolian activity — small explosive bursts at the summit — is ongoing, and further closures are possible without much notice.

Ironically, the eruption itself has become a draw: thousands of tourists have been heading toward Etna's slopes for a view of the lava, despite official warnings about the risks of approaching active vents.

What to do if you're traveling

• Check your flight status directly with your airline before heading to the airport — don't rely on the general schedule.
• If your flight is cancelled or you're rerouted because of the ash cloud, airlines are still required to offer rebooking, a refund or care (meals, accommodation), but "extraordinary circumstances" exempt them from cash compensation.
• Build in extra time if you're connecting through Catania, and know that Palermo, Trapani, Comiso and Rome are the airports most likely to receive diverted flights.
• If you plan to visit Etna itself, stick to routes and distances recommended by local guides and civil protection — do not approach active vents or fresh lava flows independently.

We'll keep this page updated as the situation develops.