Standfirst: Renewed activity from Mount Etna has forced Catania-Fontanarossa Airport to suspend arrivals and departures until late Sunday because of volcanic ash and unfavourable winds. Diverted flights have strained other Sicilian airports, while unions and consumer groups warn about disruption, staff pressures and potentially higher fares.
Flights at Catania airport have been suspended after Mount Etna resumed eruptive activity, creating fresh disruption for travellers across Sicily. The airport operator, Sac, said airspace restrictions were necessary because of heavy ash emissions and wind conditions that made operations unsafe.
The suspension was initially announced until midday on Sunday 27 September, but was later extended. Arrivals and departures were due to remain halted until 23:59 local time on Sunday, although passengers were advised to confirm their individual flight status directly with their airline before travelling to the terminal.
Why the Etna eruption has disrupted Sicilian flights
Volcanic ash presents a serious hazard to aircraft, particularly when it enters airspace near airports and flight paths. The particles can reduce visibility and create operational risks, requiring aviation authorities and airport operators to restrict or suspend services until conditions improve.
The renewed activity at Mount Etna has therefore affected more than Catania alone. Aircraft originally scheduled to use Catania-Fontanarossa were diverted to other airports, including Palermo, Trapani and Comiso. The sudden concentration of flights placed additional pressure on terminals, aircraft-handling teams and ground transport links.
For passengers, the disruption has meant cancelled or delayed journeys, last-minute rerouting and difficulty finding alternative transport. Travellers were told not to go to Catania airport without checking with their airline, as the operating position could change in response to volcanic conditions.
Other Sicilian airports face pressure from diverted services
The diversion of aircraft produced a knock-on effect across Sicily’s regional transport network. Airports receiving additional flights had to accommodate passengers, aircraft and baggage-handling requirements at short notice.
That created practical challenges for:
- Passengers seeking replacement flights or onward transport;
- Airline and airport staff managing diversions and schedule changes;
- Ground-handling companies dealing with aircraft, luggage and passenger transfers;
- Road and public transport services connecting travellers with alternative airports.
The disruption also exposed concerns about how effectively the region can respond to repeated volcanic events. Mount Etna is an active volcano, and unions argue that contingency planning should treat interruptions linked to eruptions as a recurring operational risk rather than an entirely unexpected emergency.
Consumer groups warn about higher air fares
The flight suspension has also prompted concern about the cost of alternative travel. Acli Terra reported what it described as unusually high fares on routes serving Sicily, citing a Verona-to-Palermo journey that had risen to around €1,180 in an extreme example.
The association called for authorities to monitor fares during the disruption and warned that a natural emergency should not create additional financial pressure for families. Its concerns focus on the possibility that limited seats and urgent demand could make it significantly more expensive for passengers to reach or leave the island.
A reported fare is not, by itself, proof of unlawful conduct. Prices can change rapidly during cancellations and diversions, depending on availability, booking timing and airline conditions. However, the episode has renewed debate about passenger protection and oversight during major transport interruptions.
Unions demand a permanent emergency protocol
Filt Cgil, Fit Cisl and Uiltrasporti Sicilia criticised the handling of the disruption and described conditions for workers and passengers as chaotic. The unions said airline and ground staff were dealing with frustrated travellers while operating without sufficiently clear instructions.
They are calling on the Sicilian regional authorities to establish a permanent protocol for future Etna-related aviation disruptions. Such an arrangement could clarify:
- How flight diversions should be coordinated;
- Which airports and agencies take responsibility at each stage;
- How passengers receive timely and consistent information;
- What support is available to airport and handling staff;
- How alternative transport and accommodation arrangements are managed.
The unions argue that a structured plan would reduce confusion and provide better protection for workers during periods of intense operational pressure.
What passengers should do next
Passengers booked to fly from or to Catania should check their airline’s website, app or customer service channels before travelling. Airport information may change as volcanic activity, ash levels and wind conditions develop.
Travellers should also retain booking and disruption records, including cancellation notices and receipts for essential expenses. Whether an airline must provide rerouting, refunds, meals or accommodation depends on the circumstances and the applicable passenger-rights rules, so affected customers should seek written guidance from their carrier.
Passengers considering alternative airports should confirm the departure location carefully. Palermo, Trapani and Comiso are separate airports, and reaching them may require additional road travel and fresh transport arrangements.
What happens after the airport closure?
The immediate priority is to assess whether ash and wind conditions allow safe operations to resume. The stated suspension runs until 23:59 on Sunday 27 September, but flights will depend on updated aviation and airport assessments rather than the scheduled end time alone.
The longer-term question is whether Sicily will introduce a permanent response framework for future eruptions. For airlines, airports, workers and passengers, the Catania disruption shows how quickly a volcanic event can affect the wider regional economy and transport system.
The key takeaway is that the Etna eruption has caused a temporary shutdown at Catania airport, diverted flights to other Sicilian airports and intensified concerns about fare increases and emergency planning. Passengers should verify their flight directly with their airline, while authorities face renewed calls to create a coordinated protocol for future disruptions.
