Flights were once again halted at Catania airport in Sicily due to fresh ash emissions from Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. The extension of airspace restrictions disrupted travel during the peak summer holiday season, affecting not only Sicily but also causing flight cancellations and delays in Malta as volcanic ash drifted south across the Mediterranean.

Mount Etna’s frequent eruptions impact operations at Catania airport, the main gateway to Sicily and Italy’s fifth busiest airport by passenger traffic. Recent volcanic activities have caused havoc for travelers, with images showing lava flows and smoke rising from the crater during the eruptions on July 5 and 6.

Satellite imagery captured smoke spreading from Mount Etna, while drone footage showed lava flowing down a slope during an eruption. Travel disruptions have plagued eastern Sicily since last week, with stranded passengers enduring terminal closures at Catania airport due to ash clouds from Etna.

Although conditions seemed to be improving on Wednesday, Malta International Airport continued to caution passengers about potential disruptions. The ongoing restrictions at Catania have led to increased pressure on other airports in Sicily. Palermo’s airport has accommodated 190 flights originally bound for Catania, while Comiso airport, a smaller facility south of Catania, resumed full operations after temporarily suspending flights due to Etna’s ash fallout.