Overview
- The new eruptive phase of Mount Etna began in early August and has produced multiple active vents, advancing lava flows and sustained ash emissions monitored by Italy’s INGV.
- Società Aeroporto Catania suspended arrivals and departures as ash and wind conditions made operations unsafe, and managers reported hundreds of flights affected between Aug. 8–11 with further suspensions through Aug. 13.
- Sources differ on totals but outlets and airport data put disrupted flights in the hundreds and some reports cite up to about 1,000 cancellations and several hundred diversions, with airlines rerouting planes to Palermo, Trapani and Comiso.
- VAAC Toulouse bulletins show ash plumes moving south-southwest to eastern Malta and reaching northern Libya in smaller amounts, creating cross-border disruption and local event cancellations in Malta.
- Officials and business groups warn of wider effects on Sicily’s summer tourism, with preliminary Assoesercenti estimates of €13–24 million in losses and civil protection minister Nello Musumeci renewing criticism of Catania airport’s vulnerable siting while authorities continue to monitor conditions.