Mount Etna has erupted again: Restrictions at Catania airport, diverted flights and temporary suspensions

Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, recorded new eruptive activity on Friday, leading to the introduction of restrictions at Catania airport, Sicily.

Lava eruptions were observed in the Voragine crater, and an eruptive cloud moved southeast. This phenomenon correlates with a sudden increase in the amplitude of volcanic earthquakes, starting from Monday evening, according to the Etna Observatory of the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology.

The volcanic alert warning for aviation has been raised to the maximum level, affecting operations at Catania airport. Although departures continued, three incoming flights were diverted, and arrivals of instrumental flights were temporarily suspended. The railway company Trenitalia provided additional services to assist affected passengers.