Quick Answer: Catania Airport in Sicily reopened on Monday evening, September 28, after Mount Etna’s volcanic ash grounded all arrivals and departures for three days. Airport operator SAC said the alert was over, normal operations were restored, and flights were running again.
Catania Airport is open again. Flights resumed after a three-day shutdown caused by ash from Mount Etna.
Officially called Catania-Fontanarossa International Airport, it stopped all incoming and outgoing flights on Saturday when ash from the nearby volcano drifted into its airspace. The suspension lasted through Monday, September 28.
That evening, SAC announced that the state of alert had ended and normal status was back. Full services followed.
For anyone flying in or out of eastern Sicily, that’s good news. It doesn’t mean everyone’s trip is sorted, though, and people with cancelled or delayed flights should confirm the details with their airline.
- Catania Airport reopened on Monday evening, September 28, 2026.
- Flights had been suspended for three consecutive days because of volcanic ash from Mount Etna.
- All arrivals and departures were affected.
- Catania is Italy’s fifth-busiest airport by passenger traffic.
- Mount Etna is Europe’s highest and most active volcano.
- Travellers with cancelled or delayed flights should check their status with their airline.
- Ash emissions have disrupted flights in Sicily repeatedly during 2026.
Why Was Catania Airport Closed?
Mount Etna is Europe’s highest volcano and one of its most active. Its ash was the reason.
Ash is a real hazard for aircraft. It can hurt engine performance, and it cuts visibility and contaminates airport surfaces and equipment, which adds risk to operations on the ground and in the air.
The airport sits close to the volcano, so Etna has interrupted flights here before. This time, ash stayed in the atmosphere, and the wind kept pushing it over the area, so SAC extended the suspension. By Monday morning, it ran until 11:59 p.m. local time, and passengers were told to check with their airlines before heading to the airport.
Three-Day Disruption Affected Travellers
Catania is a main gateway to eastern Sicily, with both domestic and international routes. Once flights stopped, airlines had to cancel, delay, or reroute services, and some travellers had to find another way to get where they were going.
Palermo, Trapani, and Comiso have taken diverted flights when Etna has shut down Catania in the past.
This wasn’t the first Etna-related disruption of the season. Reuters reported that ash emissions were especially intense over the recent holiday period and affected thousands of travellers.
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Why Mount Etna Frequently Disrupts Flights
Etna’s position next to Catania makes the airport unusually exposed. The volcano puts out ash and other emissions regularly, and a shift in wind direction can decide whether that ash blows toward the airport.
Aviation authorities put safety first, so restrictions can be introduced or extended whenever ash creates hazardous conditions. An eruption doesn’t have to threaten the terminal itself. Ash in the surrounding airspace is enough to disrupt travel.
What Should Passengers Do Now?
The airport is open, but schedules won’t snap back overnight. Airlines have to reposition aircraft and crews and rebook passengers after several days of disruption.
If your flight was cancelled or delayed, check its status with your airline before going to the airport. Look for updated departure times, replacement flights, or other instructions from your carrier.
Catania Airport Returns to Normal Operations
The three-day stoppage is over. SAC said the alert had ended and ordinary status was restored, so arrivals and departures could resume.
Etna is still active, though, and more ash could affect flights again. Catania’s location near one of Europe’s most active volcanic areas remains a standing problem for the airport. For now, flights are moving again while affected travellers sort out their rebookings with airlines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Catania Airport open now?
Yes. SAC, the airport operator, said the state of alert ended on Monday evening, September 28, 2026, and normal status was restored. Arrivals and departures have resumed.
How long was Catania Airport closed?
Three consecutive days. The suspension started on Saturday and ran through Monday, September 28. On Monday morning, SAC had extended it until 11:59 p.m. local time.
Why did Mount Etna close the airport?
Ash from the volcano drifted into the airspace around Catania. Ash can damage aircraft engines and reduce visibility, so flights are stopped until conditions are safe.
Will my flight run as scheduled now?
Not necessarily. Airlines need time to reposition aircraft and crews and rebook passengers after several days of disruption. Check your flight status with your airline before heading to the airport.
What if my flight was cancelled or delayed?
Contact your airline directly. Ask about updated departure times, replacement flights, and any other instructions they have for affected passengers.
Which other airports handled diverted flights?
Palermo, Trapani, and Comiso have taken diverted services when Etna has disrupted operations at Catania.
How busy is Catania Airport?
It’s Italy’s fifth-busiest airport by passenger traffic and a main gateway to eastern Sicily, with both domestic and international flights.
Could Etna close the airport again?
It’s possible. Etna is still an active volcano, and a change in wind direction can send ash toward the airport. Ash emissions have caused repeated disruptions in Sicily during 2026.
Where can I get the latest information?
Your airline is the best source for your individual flight. For airport-wide updates, follow announcements from SAC.
Sources & References
Reuters — Italy’s Catania airport reopens after three-day Etna volcano stoppage — September 28, 2026. Reuters report
Catania International Airport — Etna Eruption – Update September 28, 2026 — official airport update on flight restrictions and passenger guidance. Catania Airport official update
National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) — Volcano Observatory Notices for Aviation (VONA) — official aviation alerts and volcanic activity notices for Mount Etna. INGV VONA notices
Reuters — Italy’s Catania airport keeps flights suspended until midnight due to Etna ash — September 27, 2026. Reuters background report
