Updated | Etna volcanic ash cloud forces closure of Catania airport

Updated with cancellations announcment 

A volcanic ash plume from Mount Etna has forced the closure of Catania airport in Sicily as Europe’s largest active volcano reawakened on Monday.

Italy’s National Institute for Geophysics and Volcanology reported lava flows from the southeast crater, 2,900m above sea level. Ash has rained down on the Rifugio Sapienza, a popular stopover for tourists visiting Mount Etna.

Catania airport authorities shut down all air activity until at least 1:00pm on Monday because of the ash. Volcanic ash is very fine and could be dangerous for aircraft if sucked into jet engines.

Air Malta’s 6:00am flight to Catania from Malta was delayed as a result of the Sicilian airport’s closure.

Later on Monday, Air Malta announced a number of flight cancellations due to the volcanic ash.

• 14th August KM640 Malta to Catania 
• 14th August KM641 Catania to Malta
• 14th August KM644 Malta to Catania 
• 14th August KM645 Catania to Malta 
• 14th August KM642 Malta to Catania 
• 14th August KM643 Catania to Malta 

The national airline stated that the situation is ongoing, and that the public will be informed of more updates by time. 

Passengers who would like to rebook tickets due to the situation can do so by calling +356 21662211, while those who booked their flights through Air Malta can opt for a refund by sending an email to [email protected].