Mount Etna triggers red aviation alert due to ash emissions

Mount Etna has triggered a red VONA (Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation) alert due to ongoing ash emissions from its summit craters. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported that ash is being dispersed primarily toward the south-southwest.

Despite the highest level of aviation alert, Catania-Fontanarossa Airport remains operational, and there are currently no generalized flight restrictions or large eruptive clouds impacting airport operations. The red alert serves as a warning for air navigation regarding the potential presence of volcanic material in flight routes, which can lead to airspace limitations, diversions, or cancellations if conditions worsen.

The current activity follows a period of fluctuating alert levels, including an orange alert earlier in the month and a brief return to orange status earlier on Friday before the red alert was reinstated.