Chaos at Sicilian Airports: Etna Eruption and Temporary Closure of Comiso
On August 14, 2026, due to a new eruption of Etna, Comiso Airport (CIY) was temporarily closed for half a day. This natural event caused significant disruptions to air traffic in Sicily, with more than 40 flights diverted to and absorbed by Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO).
What is happening and why
The volcanic activity of Etna caused a sudden and intense emission of ash and smoke that made it impossible to guarantee the safety of flights departing from and arriving at Comiso Airport. For this reason, airport authorities ordered the temporary closure of the airport for about half a day, imposing an urgent reorganization of air traffic.
Airports and flights involved
- Comiso Airport (CIY): temporarily closed for half a day
- Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO): main airport absorbing the cancelled and diverted flights from Comiso
More than 40 flights originally scheduled at Comiso have been cancelled or temporarily transferred to Palermo, both arrivals and departures. If you have a flight departing from or arriving at Comiso in the next few hours, it is essential to contact the airline or check your flight status.
Passenger rights under EU261
This type of natural event generally falls under “extraordinary circumstances” that exempt the airline from the obligation to pay monetary compensation to passengers. Regulation EU261 states that, in case of cancellations or delays caused by unforeseen events such as volcanic eruptions:
- Passengers are entitled to assistance, which may include meals, drinks, and hotel accommodation when necessary, depending on the length of the delay and flight distance.
- Airlines must offer a ticket refund or an alternative flight to the final destination as soon as possible.
- Economic compensation for delays or cancellations may not be provided due to “extraordinary circumstances”.
Practical advice for passengers
If your flight is scheduled at Comiso (CIY):
- Immediately check your flight status with the airline or through online platforms.
- Verify if your flight has been cancelled or diverted to Palermo (PMO), so you can arrange transport to/from Palermo.
- Arrive at the airport well in advance; there may be queues or delays in procedures.
- If your flight is cancelled, ask immediately about the assistance the airline should provide.
If you need to reach or depart from Palermo (PMO):
- Wait for official communications and consult airlines for any air traffic updates.
- Allow extra time for arrivals and departures due to the volume of flights concentrated at this airport.
Alternatives:
- Consider nearby airports for possible transfers, but always evaluate transfer time and cost.
- If possible, postpone your trip to later dates to avoid significant disruptions.
Information on the airports involved
- For more details about Palermo airport, visit the dedicated page: /en/airports/pmo/
- For information about Comiso airport, consult the page: /en/airports/ciy/
Sources
Want to know if your next flight is at risk? Check your flight risk on FlightGuard.
