Flights at Catania airport in Sicily faced suspension once again on Wednesday due to new ash emissions from Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. These emissions led authorities to extend airspace restrictions, causing travel disruptions during the peak summer holiday season. The effects of the recent eruption were felt beyond Sicily, with neighboring Malta experiencing flight cancellations and significant delays as volcanic ash drifted south across the Mediterranean.

Mount Etna frequently disrupts operations at Catania airport, the main gateway to Sicily and the fifth busiest airport in Italy in terms of passenger traffic. The recent volcanic activities have had a notable impact on travelers. Images captured the lava flow and smoke rising from the crater during the eruptions on July 5 and 6.

Satellite imagery depicted the spread of smoke from Mount Etna on Tuesday. A drone view also showed the lava flowing down a slope during an eruption on the same day. Travel disruptions have been ongoing in eastern Sicily since last week, with ash clouds affecting the region due to renewed volcanic activity and changing winds. Stranded passengers were seen waiting at the terminal following the closure of Catania airport on Monday.

While conditions seemed to be improving on Wednesday, Malta International Airport continued to caution passengers about potential disruptions. The extended restrictions at Catania have placed additional strain on other airports in Sicily. Palermo Mayor Roberto Lagalla mentioned that the city’s airport had accommodated 190 flights originally destined for Catania in recent days. Additionally, Comiso airport, a smaller facility south of Catania, has resumed full operations after temporarily halting flights on Tuesday evening due to ash from Mount Etna.