France 24· Europe
Mount Etna's ongoing volcanic activity disrupts summer travel
Ash spewing from Sicily's Mount Etna has closed the Italian island’s largest airport for the fifth consecutive day, stranding hundreds of summer holiday travellers during the busiest travel week of the year. Catania’s airport will remain closed until early August 15. While Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, often disrupts airport operations, this marks the longest emergency since 2002.
Published Friday, 14 August 2026 at 12:55

Ash spewing from Sicily's Mount Etna has closed the Italian island’s largest airport for the fifth consecutive day, stranding hundreds of summer holiday travellers during the busiest travel week of the year. Catania’s airport will remain closed until early August 15. While Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, often disrupts airport operations, this marks the longest emergency since 2002.
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