Catania: airport closure extended as Etna ash persists

Catania-Fontanarossa extended the suspension of all arrivals and departures until 22:00 local time on September 15, 2026 because Mount Etna ash continued to affect the airport’s airspace.

Updated October 2, 2026 — this article keeps its original publication date and adds the later September closures and reopenings.

Why the September 15 closure was extended

Operations had initially been expected to resume earlier, but persistent ash emissions and upper-level winds forced repeated extensions. SAC said airspace sectors C1 and B3 remained closed during the most restrictive phase.

INGV issued a red VONA during the episode, signalling volcanic activity capable of producing ash with aviation significance. A red VONA does not itself order an airport closure, but it is a major input into operational risk assessment.

The airport reopened, then disruption returned

Catania later resumed operations, but a new ash episode forced another shutdown beginning on September 26. Flights remained suspended through September 27 and the airport reopened on September 28 after a three-day stoppage. AeroSillage also covered the later episode in its dedicated report on the September 26 Etna ash disruption.

On September 29, renewed volcanic activity and poor weather forced another temporary suspension before the airport reopened after the alert level was downgraded from red to orange.

Why Catania’s disruption affects the whole island

When Sicily’s main eastern airport closes, airlines divert aircraft to Palermo, Comiso, Trapani or other airports. That creates knock-on pressure on crews, aircraft positioning and ground transport.

Why volcanic ash is treated so seriously

Ash can damage engines, contaminate sensors and reduce visibility. Restrictions therefore depend on the actual concentration and direction of the plume, not simply on what is visible from the airport.

Passenger guidance

Even after a reopening notice, travellers should verify the operating airline’s status before leaving for the airport. A reopened runway does not guarantee that every flight has recovered its original aircraft, crew or slot.

Sources

SAC Catania; INGV Osservatorio Etneo; Reuters, September 26, 27, 28 and 29, 2026.