Mount Etna ash emissions trigger red aviation alert

Mount Etna has released a new plume of volcanic ash, prompting the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) to issue a red alert for aviation. The ash cloud has reached an estimated altitude of approximately 4,000 meters above sea level, which is about 700 meters above the volcano's summit. Winds are currently transporting the volcanic material in an easterly direction.

At Catania Airport, the management company SAC has reorganized terminal spaces to manage passenger flow. While Terminal B1 has reopened, Terminal A3 remains temporarily closed. Flight operations continue with a restriction of up to 12 arrivals per hour, which matches the airport's maximum operational capacity. Authorities noted that these restrictions have not caused significant disruptions to flight schedules.

The volcano is under constant 24-hour surveillance by the Catania operations room using visible light, infrared, and thermal camera networks to monitor the evolution of the activity.