- Catania reopened Tuesday evening September 15
- Mount Etna ash cloud triggered Catania Airport shutdown
- Red aviation alert issued by INGV Etneo Observatory
- Airspace sectors B3 and C1 closed
- Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air and British Airways affected
- Some flights rerouted to Palermo or Comiso
Catania Airport (CTA) reopened on Tuesday evening, September 15, 2026. The airport had previously suspended all arrivals and departures starting Monday, September 14, due to a severe volcanic ash cloud from a nearby Mount Etna eruption
While flight operations have officially resumed, passenger were advised to check updates. Because dozens of flights were cancelled or diverted over those two days, airlines—particularly major operators in the region like Ryanair—are still dealing with delays and knock-on schedule changes. The airport operator (SAC) strongly advises all travelers to check their live flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport.
Eighty flights were cancelled between arrivals and departures as Mount Etna’s continuous ash emissions triggered a rolling shutdown of Catania International Airport. The INGV Etneo Observatory issued a red aviation alert after a massive eruption column formed over the Northeast Crater, sending volcanic ash high into the atmosphere and leaving regional runways heavily contaminated. All arrivals and departures have faced major suspensions and rolling extensions. Flight EI462@14.20 from Dublin s still on schedule for Wednesday September 16, although many lightys are diverting to Palermo or Comino.
Specific airspace sectors B3 and C1 were strictly closed to protect aircraft from severe jet engine damage. Severe cancellations and delays have hit multiple major carriers including Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air and British Airways. Some flights are being actively rerouted to other operational hubs on the island such as Palermo Airport or Comiso Airport.
