Sicily is on high alert as Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, entered a new and intense eruptive phase. The activity, which began in recent days and has progressively intensified, is centered on the Voragine crater, producing powerful ash emissions, lava fountains, and new lava flows heading towards the Valle del Bove and Valle del Leone areas.

The most immediate impact has been on air travel. The ash cloud has been deemed a significant hazard to aircraft, forcing authorities to close sections of the airspace around Catania. Consequently, the Fontanarossa Airport in Catania, a major gateway for eastern Sicily, has announced repeated suspensions of arrivals. Numerous flights have been canceled or severely delayed, with many being diverted to other airports on the island, such as Palermo. Travelers have been urged to stay continuously updated on the status of their flights.

Volcanologists are closely monitoring the situation, noting that the eruption’s intensity is changing by the hour. While the lava flows are currently confined to uninhabited areas and no injuries have been reported, civil protection and air navigation services remain on high alert. To assist stranded passengers, authorities have reinforced railway connections between Sicily’s major cities. The situation remains dynamic, with scientists and local officials watching the ongoing activity closely.