Mount Etna in Sicily is the tallest and most active volcano in Europe and is currently putting on a spectacular lava show. While this is beautiful to see, what does the eruption mean for travelers? Is it safe to head to Sicily and are flights being cancelled?

Mount Etna eruption: How it affects travelers

As Mount Etna continues the latest eruption, which started on February 11, travelers planning a trip to Sicily are concerned. Currently, the volcano continues to erupt with lava pouring down its sides, this spectacular event can be seen for miles around.

The latest eruption is from the volcano’s south-east crater, dubbed Bocca Nuova (New Mouth in English). Currently, a 3-km river of lava is flowing from the crater, but while previous eruptions have seen nearby towns covered in black volcanic ash, this eruption has so far caused minimal disruption.

Is Catania Airport closed?

Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (AKA Vincenzo Bellini Airport) nestles on the east coast of Sicily at the foot of Mount Etna. In better times the airport offers arriving and departing passengers a stunning view of the volcano. Moreover, it is the most popular airport in Sicily for international travelers.

Part of Catania Airport was closed on February 12 due to reduced visibility from the volcanic ash. However, since then the airport has been open with flights currently operating as normal. However, despite this, the airport’s management has advised passengers to check their flight status with their airline before leaving home.

It is possible to check the airline’s apps or websites for the latest information on the volcano, as well as their social media channels. Moreover, travelers should keep an eye on the email account used on the booking in case they are contacted to advise of changes.

Meanwhile, travelers can check arrivals and departures on the Catania Airport’s website here.

Will travelers be able to claim compensation should their flights be canceled?

For those worried that their flights might be canceled due to Mount Etna’s eruption closing the airport, airlines are required to offer passengers another flight or a refund if the flight is canceled or delayed by more than three hours.

However, this only applies if the airport could have prevented the cancellation. In the case of a volcanic eruption, this is not the airline’s fault. In most cases, airlines will still endeavor to get passengers to their final destination. This is why it is always wise to have travel insurance, to be able to claim unexpected expenses.

How safe is it to travel to Sicily while Mount Etna erupts

Local authorities and residents are used to dealing with Mount Etna eruptions, and it is still safe to travel. The volcano has been eruption several times each year for the last five years, but tourism to the Italian island has continued to be on the rise. While the volcano erupts frequently, experts say that lava has not reached nearby towns since the 1800s.

Mount Etna boasts more than 200 craters, and when one does erupt, black volcanic ash lands in the city of Catania at its foot. It is also known to coat the many surrounding towns and villages. While this is inconvenient for locals, it is rarely a problem for tourists.

As a reminder, readers planning on a trip to Sicily can check with Catania Airport’s website to find the latest information. This is normally clearly displayed in a red bar across the top of the page and currently, as of February 16, there is a block on arrivals until 10:30 pm. See below.