Catania airport in eastern Sicily suspended flights on Sunday after volcanic ash from Mount Etna spread into airspace used by arriving and departing aircraft.
Airport authorities said operations would remain halted until at least 21:59 GMT, with the timetable subject to further assessment as conditions developed.
Passengers were advised to check directly with their airlines before travelling to the airport because cancellations and schedule changes could continue.
Catania is Italy’s fifth-busiest airport by passenger traffic and an important gateway for tourism and business travel across Sicily.
Mount Etna is Europe’s highest and most active volcano, and changes in wind direction can quickly carry ash across flight paths serving the island.
Intense ash emissions have repeatedly affected aviation during the summer, disrupting the journeys of thousands of passengers.
Volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines and reduce visibility, requiring aviation authorities to close runways or restrict airspace even when communities on the ground are not being evacuated.
Source: Reuters, September 27, 2026.
Featured photo: Samir Kharrat/Unsplash.
Zeynep Aziz is a social-affairs specialist, writer and advocate with advanced academic qualifications in both Social Sciences and International Relations. Her multidisciplinary education has given her a strong understanding of society, public policy, human rights and the political forces shaping Turkey’s domestic and international development.
For many years, Zeynep has been actively engaged in social affairs and initiatives supporting the rights and well-being of Turkish citizens. Her work pays particular attention to social equality, democratic participation and the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Women’s rights remain central to her interests and advocacy. She works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in Turkey, including discrimination, violence, unequal opportunities and barriers to full participation in political, professional and social life. She strongly supports women’s empowerment, equal access to education and employment, and effective legal protection for women and girls.
Alongside her social work, Zeynep closely follows Turkey’s international relations and foreign policy. She takes a keen interest in Turkey’s relations with Europe, neighbouring countries and international institutions, as well as the impact of regional and global developments on Turkish society.
Through her writing and public engagement, Zeynep seeks to encourage informed discussion, strengthen respect for human rights and contribute to a fairer, more democratic and inclusive Turkey.
Zeynep Aziz
