The eruption of Mount Etna has paralyzed the Sicilian airport of Catania for several days.

The eruption of Mount Etna has left the Catania International Airport in Sicily closed for several days, disrupting air travel and forcing thousands of passengers to change their plans. The volcanic ash has repeatedly grounded flights, leading to cancellations, delays, and rerouting. The airport’s closure continues with restrictions in place until 2 a.m. on Friday, though the duration remains uncertain due to the unpredictable nature of the volcanic activity. According to reports, the economic impact on tourism is already significant, with estimated losses ranging from €12 million to €24 million due to flight disruptions and related complications. Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, has been erupting intermittently for weeks. Despite recent signs of reduced activity, experts caution that the situation could still evolve unpredictably. Stefano Branca, director of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), stated that while the current level of activity is described as “slightly decreasing,” there is no certainty regarding its future course. He emphasized that “there are no certainties” when it comes to volcanic behavior, underscoring the challenges faced by authorities in managing the crisis. The airport operator and the INGV maintain close communication to assess conditions in real time. Decisions regarding flight restrictions depend on wind direction and airborne ash concentration, which can change rapidly. This dynamic has led to frequent adjustments in the closure schedule, with the airport authority extending the ban multiple times in response to ongoing eruptions. The latest restrictions were imposed following a surge in ash emissions that posed a risk to aircraft operations. Hundreds of flights have been affected over the past few days, with many canceled or delayed. Thousands of travelers have had to alter their travel arrangements, some even staying overnight at the airport or nearby locations awaiting updates. While the situation has somewhat stabilized compared to earlier chaotic periods, long lines form at information desks, and passengers continue to check their flight statuses before heading to the airport. Organizers are also arranging transfers to other airports on the island to accommodate stranded travelers. Despite warnings against approaching the lava flows, the area around Mount Etna remains a major tourist attraction. Daily guided tours offer visitors the chance to ascend the volcano, drawing large crowds despite the risks. Local guides report being overwhelmed by the number of requests, unable to meet all inquiries. Social media platforms have amplified interest in the volcanic activity, with videos of lava streams gaining widespread attention and attracting more visitors than ever before. However, officials stress that proximity to the molten rock poses serious dangers, urging caution among tourists. The continued activity of Mount Etna highlights both the natural beauty and the inherent risks associated with living near such a volatile force. While the volcano’s behavior is not unusual for this region, the current eruption has created logistical and economic challenges for local communities and international travelers alike. As the situation evolves, the focus remains on monitoring conditions and ensuring public safety, with decisions on further closures based on ongoing assessments of volcanic activity and environmental factors.