Published on

14/08/2026 - 15:30 GMT+2

Ash spewing from Sicily’s Mount Etna volcano has forced the closure of the Italian island’s largest airport for the fifth consecutive day, stranding hundreds of summer holiday travellers during the busiest travel week of the year.

Catania’s airport will remain closed until early on Saturday, which falls on the Ferragosto holiday that marks the height of the Italian summer holiday season when millions flock to the sea and mountains, deserting Italian cities.

While Etna’s activity often interrupts flights at the airport, located 30 kilometres south of the volcano, this is the longest emergency since 2002.