Mount Etna erupted once again on July 5, sending a towering plume of volcanic ash into the sky above eastern Sicily and prompting temporary flight disruptions at Catania–Fontanarossa Airport.
The latest eruption began at around 7:45 a.m. local time, with volcanic activity intensifying within an hour. According to monitoring authorities, the ash cloud rose approximately 1.5 kilometres above the summit before being carried southward by prevailing winds.
Flights Temporarily Suspended
Due to the volcanic ash posing a potential hazard to aircraft, Catania–Fontanarossa Airport temporarily suspended arriving flights while aviation authorities monitored the situation. Airport operations were adjusted to ensure passenger safety as the ash plume drifted across parts of eastern Sicily.
Travelers were advised to check the latest flight information with their airlines before heading to the airport, as further operational changes remained possible depending on volcanic activity and wind conditions.
Strombolian Activity Continues
Volcanologists said the eruption was characterised by Strombolian activity, a type of volcanic eruption involving frequent, short-lived explosions that eject gas, ash and volcanic material from the crater.
While the lava flow that had been active since June 26 came to a halt on July 4, small explosions continue to occur at the summit craters, indicating that the volcano remains active.
Europe’s Most Active Volcano
Standing at approximately 3,350 metres above sea level, Mount Etna is one of Europe’s tallest and most active stratovolcanoes. Its frequent eruptions rarely pose a direct threat to nearby communities but regularly affect air traffic due to volcanic ash, which can damage aircraft engines and reduce visibility.
The volcano last experienced a significant eruption on January 1. In recent weeks, monitoring agencies had observed a slow-moving lava flow emerging from a fissure near Etna’s Northeast Crater before activity shifted to the latest explosive phase.
Authorities continue to closely monitor the volcano, with further eruptive activity remaining possible in the coming days.
