Intense Mount Etna eruption sends ash south, Catania Airport suspends arrivals, Italy

Intense Mount Etna eruption sends ash south, Catania Airport suspends arrivals, Italy

Teo Blašković

Mount Etna continued intense explosive and effusive activity on August 10, 2026, with abundant ash from Voragine and multiple active lava flows. Catania Airport suspended arrivals until 17:00 LT (15:00 UTC) as volcanic ash affected operations, while Toulouse VAAC maintained Etna’s Aviation Color Code at Red.

The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), Etna Observatory, reported at 10:16 LT (08:16 UTC) on August 10 that surveillance cameras showed intense and continuous explosive activity at Voragine crater. Volcanic bombs were falling in the summit area, while abundant ash was dispersing toward the south-southwest.

Two active vents at approximately 2 750 m (9 020 feet) and 2 360 m (7 740 feet) elevation were feeding several lava flows that formed complex lava fields. The most advanced active fronts are near 1 500 m (4 920 feet) elevation at the base of the northern wall of Valle del Bove, in the Monte Rinatu area, INGV specialists said.

Due to Etna’s continued eruptive activity and volcanic ash present in the area, Società Aeroporto Catania S.p.A. (SAC) suspended arriving flights at Catania Airport until 17:00 LT (15:00 UTC).

“Due to Etna’s eruptive activity and the simultaneous emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere, the closure of the airspace corresponding to the cloud in the southwest (Sector C1) has been ordered,” airport officials said. “Arrivals are suspended until 5:00 PM.”

“In relation to the situation, with a strong operational impact, we invite passengers not to go to the airport without first checking the status of their flight directly with the airline. The situation is being constantly monitored, and further updates will be provided as the volcanic activity and weather conditions evolve.”