Etna eruption halts flights at Catania airport until noon

September 27, 2026 at 12:59 AM1 min

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Catania-Fontanarossa airport on Sicily suspended arrivals and departures after a new eruption of Mount Etna sent ash about four kilometers high. The airport halted operations until 12:00 local time on September 27, with passengers urged to check flight status before traveling. Some flights were diverted to Comiso, Palermo, and Trapani airports.

Key Facts

Catania-Fontanarossa airport suspended flights until 12:00 local time on September 27 due to ash from Mount Etna.
The eruption sent ash about four kilometers into the air, closing some airspace sectors.
Flights were diverted to Comiso, Palermo, and Trapani airports on Sicily.
Transport unions criticized the lack of a permanent action plan for Etna eruptions.

Airport Closure

Catania-Fontanarossa airport suspended arrivals and departures after Mount Etna erupted, sending ash about four kilometers high. The airport halted operations until 12:00 local time on September 27, which is 15:00 Astana time. Passengers were urged to check flight status in advance and not travel to the terminal without confirmation. Some airspace sectors were closed due to the ash cloud and unfavorable wind direction.

Regional Disruption

Flights were diverted to Comiso, Palermo, and Trapani airports on Sicily. Cancellations and delays caused difficulties in the regional transport system. Public organizations reported a sharp rise in airfare on some routes, according to Euronews. Transport unions criticized the absence of a permanent action plan for Etna eruptions and called on regional authorities to develop a clear response mechanism.