Catania-Fontanarossa Airport remained closed on Wednesday after Mount Etna’s ash emissions forced another extension of the suspension of arrivals and departures until Friday at 02:00 local time. SAC, the airport operator, kept the restriction in place as volcanic activity continued to affect Sicily’s main air hub and disrupted holiday travel across the region.
The shutdown follows repeated changes to the airport’s operating schedule as the eruption evolved through the day. Aviation safety officials faced continued ash contamination in the airspace, with some reports also citing ash on the runway, making normal operations impossible. Passengers were advised to check flight status with their airlines before travelling.
The closure has triggered widespread cancellations and diversions, with knock-on effects for airline schedules and connecting services across southern Italy. Catania is one of the busiest gateways for summer traffic in Sicily, so the disruption has had a direct impact on both leisure and commercial operations. The reopening time remains dependent on further changes in ash conditions and airspace clearance.