Mount Etna erupts again, aviation placed on highest alert

Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, erupted again on Saturday, prompting aviation authorities to issue a red code warning due to volcanic activity. The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre raised the alert level to red, the highest warning for aviation, indicating the potential presence of hazardous volcanic ash in airspace.

Despite the alert, flight operations at Catania–Fontanarossa Airport are continuing normally for now. Local authorities said no disruptions are expected as long as ash emissions remain limited and do not intensify.

The latest eruption follows a series of earlier episodes in recent months. The current lava flow is being fed by a fissure that opened at around 3,000 metres above sea level on August 10, with the furthest lava front advancing down to approximately 2,700 metres in altitude.

Volcanic activity at Etna is being closely monitored, particularly for its potential impact on air traffic in the region, as ash clouds can pose a serious risk to aircraft engines and flight safety.