# Mount Etna volcanic activity and aviation alerts

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mount-etna-volcanic-activity-and-aviation-alerts
> Updated: 2026-10-30T09:51:04.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2.

Mount Etna has triggered red aviation alerts due to continuous volcanic ash emissions. On October 27, an ash cloud reaching approximately 4 kilometers above sea level moved southeasterly, leading to the closure of airspace sector B1 and restricted arrival capacity at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport.

By October 30, new ash plumes reached an altitude of roughly 4,000 meters, approximately 700 meters above the volcano's summit, with winds moving the material in an easterly direction. While Terminal B1 at Catania Airport has reopened, Terminal A3 remains temporarily closed. Flight operations have stabilized at a maximum of 12 arrivals per hour, matching the airport's operational capacity, with authorities reporting no significant disruptions to schedules.

The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) and the Catania operations room continue to monitor the volcano 24 hours a day using thermal, infrared, and visual surveillance networks.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-30: Mount Etna ash emissions trigger red aviation alert

Mount Etna's ash emissions have triggered a red aviation alert. The ash cloud reaches 4,000 meters, causing terminal reorganizations at Catania Airport while flights continue under capacity limits.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mount-etna-ash-emissions-trigger-red-aviation-alert

### 2026-10-27: Mount Etna ash cloud triggers red aviation alert

Mount Etna's volcanic ash cloud has reached 4km in height, prompting a red aviation alert and airspace restrictions at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mount-etna-aviation-alert-raised-to-orange

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Cite as: Mount Etna volcanic activity and aviation alerts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mount-etna-volcanic-activity-and-aviation-alerts