Mount Etna Eruption in Sicily Forces Flight Delays – Is it safe to travel to Sicily?

Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest and most active volcano, erupted on Monday morning in Sicily, Italy, sending huge plumes of ash and lava fountains into the air. The powerful eruption caused panic among tourists, who were seen running down the mountainside as thick black clouds rose above.

Videos shared online show dramatic scenes of boiling rock and dark smoke spreading across the slopes. Reports from Mediterranean news outlets say the ash cloud was visible even from Malta, located over 150 km away.

Is It Safe to Travel to Sicily Right Now?

According to the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) in Toulouse, a code red alert was briefly issued due to the eruption. It has now been downgraded to an orange alert, which means pilots must remain cautious while flying near the volcano. The orange alert reflects ongoing volcanic activity that could still pose a threat to aircraft.

Despite the eruption, Catania Airport, which is located at the foot of Mount Etna, remains open. Most departures are on schedule, though some arrivals from Berlin, Milan, and Rome faced delays on Monday afternoon.

Passengers are strongly advised to check with their airlines or use their airline apps for the latest flight updates, as the situation may change with further volcanic activity.

What Are Authorities Saying?

The UK Foreign Office has not updated travel advice for Sicily yet. Italian volcanologists, however, confirmed that Etna is undergoing strombolian explosions—a common type of moderate volcanic eruption. The Italy National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology stated that the volcano’s activity has been increasing steadily since 10 PM local time on Sunday and peaked around 1 AM Monday morning.

They described the explosions as “strong in intensity and nearly continuous.” Thin layers of ash have already fallen in the Piano Vetore area, located about an hour north of the volcano.

Quick Facts About Mount Etna

• Location: East coast of Sicily, near the city of Catania

• Height: Around 3,400 meters (11,155 ft)

• Base size: Nearly 100 miles wide

• Recent activity: Last eruption in February 2025

• Historical record: The largest eruption was in 1669, killing over 20,000 people and destroying villages

Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It erupts frequently, though recent eruptions have mostly caused ash fallout without serious danger to nearby towns.

Some believe Nostradamus predicted a major eruption at Etna in either 2024 or 2025, adding mystery to the current events.

Should Tourists Be Worried?

While the eruption looks dramatic, current alerts and expert assessments suggest no immediate threat to visitors in Sicily, beyond travel disruptions. Mount Etna is a popular tourist destination, and many locals are used to these kinds of eruptions. However, travelers should stay informed through news updates and official travel advisories.