Etna erupts: flights diverted and ash over Catania, disruption to passengers due to traffic disruption

Etna erupts again with intense volcanic activity, causing air traffic problems and ash fallout on several Etna municipalities. While the highest volcano in Europe continues its spectacular eruptive activity, Catania airport is gradually resuming operations, with limitations on arriving flights and no restrictions on departures.

Air traffic: flights diverted and partial restoration of operations

Following the eruption, In the last 24 hours, 32 flights have been diverted to Palermo's Falcone Borsellino airport, causing significant inconvenience to passengers on the road. Many travellers, forced to reach their destination by alternative means, had to face long waiting times and unexpected events in their itineraries.

 Sac, the management company of Catania airport, has communicated the closure of the south-east sector (B1) up to 15:00 of today, while the other sectors have been reopened to allow a partial resumption of incoming flights. No restriction, instead, for the departures.

To alleviate the inconvenience, buses have been arranged to transfer passengers between Palermo and Catania. However, the Sicily Region has warned that there may be delays in public transport services in the province of Palermo due to the emergency situation and the need to reorganize connections.

Etna eruption: lava flows and ash cloud

The current eruption began on8 February, with the opening of an effusive mouth at 3.050 meters at altitude, at the base of the Bocca Nuova crater. The lava flow is slowly advancing in a southwest direction and reached the 1.800 meters at altitude, without posing a direct threat to inhabited areas.

However, the volcanic tremor recorded by theINGV – Etna Observatory remains at very high levels, indicating a strong magmatic activity. The cloud of volcanic ash, driven by the wind, is moving towards the south-east, causing disruption in numerous municipalities, among which San Pietro Clarenza, where the streets and roofs of houses were covered by a thick layer of ash.

Residents have been urged to take precautions, such as wearing masks to avoid inhaling volcanic particles and protecting their cars. to avoid damage to the bodywork. Local authorities are coordinating the cleanup efforts, but the time required for complete restoration will depend on the evolution of the eruption and weather conditions.

Passenger Advice and Future Updates

Sac invites all passengers to check the status of your flight with the airline before going to the airport. The situation will be reassessed at 15:00 p.m. to decide whether to maintain the current restrictions or proceed with further reopening.

The volcanic activity of Etna is constantly monitored from the INGV, which continues to provide real-time updates and images of the eruption.

In the meantime, possible inconveniences could continue in the next few days, especially for tomorrow, Tuesday 18 February, depending on the evolution of volcanic activity.

Authorities also recommend that Stay informed through official channels to avoid unexpected transport and safety issues in the municipalities most affected by the ashfall.