On Monday, July 6, 2026, a powerful eruption of Mount Etna threw air travel across Sicily into chaos, forcing widespread flight cancellations, delays, and diversions at Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). The airport had already suspended all arriving flights on Sunday, July 5, 2026, following intense volcanic activity.
Italy’s most active volcano erupted again early on July 6, sending a massive volcanic ash plume nearly 6,400 meters (21,000 feet) into the sky. The dense ash prompted aviation authorities to issue a “Code Red” alert for aircraft operations, as volcanic ash poses a serious threat to jet engines and flight safety.
Although the airport has partially reopened after temporary closures, operations remain heavily restricted. Air traffic controllers are limiting Catania Airport to just five flights per hour, resulting in extensive delays, cancellations, and rerouting of both domestic and international flights.
Incoming aircraft scheduled to land at Catania are being diverted to other Sicilian airports, primarily Palermo (PMO) and Comiso (CIY), to reduce congestion and avoid prolonged holding patterns in ash-contaminated airspace.
Italy’s national carrier, ITA Airways, has confirmed that multiple flights to and from Catania scheduled for July 6 have been cancelled, rescheduled, or rerouted as the volcanic eruption continues to impact operations.
Despite the severe impact on aviation, Italy’s Civil Protection Department has maintained a Yellow Alert for residents on the ground. Authorities say there is currently no immediate danger to nearby communities, and no evacuations have been ordered. The higher Red Alert applies only to aviation because of the hazardous volcanic ash cloud.
The eruption originated from a vent on the upper eastern flank of Mount Etna’s Voragine crater, with prevailing winds carrying the ash toward southern and southeastern Sicily, keeping the aviation hazard active throughout the day.
Passengers traveling to or from Sicily on July 6 are strongly advised to check directly with their airline before leaving for the airport, as flights continue to be cancelled, delayed, rescheduled, or diverted at short notice.
