Photo: Shutterstock Passengers traveling to and from Catania–Fontanarossa Airport are being urged to check their flight status after eruptive activity from Mount Etna triggered travel disruptions.
In an update, Aeroporti di Roma said delays and cancellations may affect flights operating to and from Catania Airport following the volcano's latest activity, affecting traffic to one of Italy's most popular tourist destinations in full season.
The airport operator advised passengers to contact their airline before heading to the airport to confirm the status of their flight.
ITA Airways also announced the cancellation and postponement of flights to and from Catania, and urged passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport.
Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, frequently erupts, affecting air traffic, particularly when volcanic ash enters flight paths or disrupts airport operations.
In a statement issued today by the airport, it was stated that all incoming flights remain suspended and all outgoing flights are blocked until 18:00 (local time). Passengers were asked not to arrive at the airport before checking their flight status with their airline, with further updates expected to be published later.
The outbreak comes at the height of Europe's busy tourist season, a time when tens of thousands of passengers pass through Catania airport, the main gateway to eastern Sicily, every day. Any shutdown of the airport, even for a few hours, could lead to flight cancellations, delays and disruptions to other airlines' flight chains across the continent, leaving many travelers in limbo.
The announcement follows a 24-hour strike by multiple aviation workers, including easyJet pilots and cabin crew, on July 5, 2026, which triggered more flight delays and cancellations.