Etna Eruption Causes Disruptions at Catania and Palermo Airports
On August 13, 2026, an intense eruptive activity of Etna caused the temporary closure of Catania-Fontanarossa Airport CTA. About 25 flights bound for Catania were diverted to Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport PMO, causing a total blockage of over 200 passengers for 15 hours amid disruptions, delays, and cancellations.
The volcanic activity generated an ash cloud that made landing and takeoff operations in Catania impossible, leading to the runway closure and subsequent flight diversions.
Which flights and airports are involved?
- Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA): temporarily closed due to volcanic ash
- Palermo-Falcone and Borsellino Airport (PMO): receiving airport for diverted flights
Passengers with flights to CTA should check their flight status with their airline, while those in Palermo might face long waiting times before departure or need to arrange appropriate connections to Catania or final destinations.
Passenger Rights: What Does EU Regulation 261 Provide?
This event is classified as an extraordinary circumstance, so Regulation (EC) 261/2004 applies only partially:
- Airlines are not obliged to pay financial compensation for delays or cancellations caused by natural events (such as volcanic eruptions).
- However, they are required to provide assistance:
- Meals and refreshments based on waiting time
- Hotel accommodation if necessary
- Transport between the airport and accommodation
- Two free phone calls or emails
We recommend always keeping official communications from airlines and airports in mind.
Practical Advice for Affected Passengers
- Check your flight status before going to the airport, using the airline’s website or our Flight Checker.
- At the CTA and PMO airports, it is important to stay calm and follow the instructions of airport and airline staff.
- If your flight is canceled or diverted, ask for assistance and your rights to accommodation and support.
- Consider alternative flights departing from nearby airports in case of a long closure of Catania airport.
- Keep all travel documents and receipts: they might be useful for any future claims.
Sources
- PalermoToday, “Etna, ancora caos negli aeroporti: 25 voli dirottati su Palermo e 200 passeggeri bloccati per 15 ore” - read the full report
Want to know if your next flight is at risk? Check your flight risk on FlightGuard.
