- Mount Etna ash cloud triggers 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
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.
The airport operator SAC advises all travellers not to head to the airport without first verifying their specific flight status directly with their airline’s Flight Tracker tool.
