05.07.2026 15:40
Mount Etna in southern Italy emitted dense ash after an eruption began in the morning at the Voragine crater. The ash cloud reached a height of 1.5 kilometers, leading to the suspension of flights at Catania Airport.
Mount Etna, one of the active volcanoes in southern Italy, has again erupted with a strong ash plume. Following the opening of a fissure on June 26 in the 'Voragine' crater at Etna's summit, volcanic activity continued today. According to information from local sources, intense ash emissions occurred after an eruption in the Voragine crater during the morning hours.
VOLCANIC ACTIVITY BEGAN
In a statement from the Etna Observatory of the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) regarding volcanic activity on the mountain, it was reported that ash emission began around 07:45 in the Voragine crater and intensified at 08:45.
INGV stated that the ash cloud, reaching a height of 1.5 kilometers, is expected to disperse southward within the next few hours based on meteorological data.
REGIONAL CIVIL AIR TRAFFIC AFFECTED
The ash cloud reaching high levels also affected civil air traffic in the region. In a written statement from SAC, the company managing Catania International Vincenzo Bellini Airport (Fontanarossa), it was noted that flights arriving in Catania were suspended due to ongoing volcanic activity at Mount Etna, while only a limited number of departing flights from Catania were allowed.
Additionally, passengers were asked to confirm the status of their flights with the airline before arriving at the airport.
Mount Etna, at approximately 3,300 meters, is the highest active volcano in continental Europe.