Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes, is experiencing a major eruption in Sicily, causing major disruption to air travel and thousands of travellers at the height of the tourist season. Volcanic ash has affected the region's airspace and has also drifted towards Malta, causing flight cancellations and delays.

Catania airport has remained closed for the eighth day due to the danger posed by volcanic ash to aircraft. Authorities have imposed restrictions on air traffic to ensure the safety of passengers and crews, while Etna's activity continues to be closely monitored.

 

But what is happening inside the volcano and why has the activity become so intense?

According to Marco Vicaro, a professor at the University of Catania and president of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in Italy, the current activity is linked to significant changes in Etna's internal dynamics. He argues that the process began about two years ago, when the Voragine crater experienced six consecutive explosive episodes.

"The re-ignition of the Voragine crater is causing significant changes in the structural configuration of the volcano and this could affect its subsequent explosive behavior for several years," Vicaro told Corriere della Sera.

According to the expert, the activity of recent days should not be seen as an isolated event, but as part of a broader process that is taking place in the volcano's internal system.

Following the reactivation of the northeastern crater, Nord-Est, at the end of 2025 and its activity at the beginning of 2026, Etna's main channel appears to have taken on an even more important role in transporting magma to the surface.

This channel, according to Vicaro, has the ability to transport large amounts of magma from the depths of the volcano and bring it to the surface within a relatively short time.

One of the main reasons for the current intensity is the composition of the magma. According to data cited by the professor, in June Etna was spewing magma that was closer to the surface and had a lower gas content, causing less explosive activity.

The situation has changed now, as the volcano is spewing magma that comes from deeper areas and is richer in gas. This increases the pressure within the volcanic system and can cause more powerful eruptions, also explaining the large amount of ash thrown into the atmosphere.

The new phase of activity began on August 6 and has since caused ongoing problems for air transport in Sicily. Volcanic ash poses a serious risk to aircraft, as the particles can damage their engines and systems, so authorities have imposed flight restrictions.

Malta has also been affected by the situation. Ash carried by the winds has entered Maltese airspace, causing disruptions and cancellations of flights to the island at a time when tourist numbers are at their highest levels of the year.

Despite the natural spectacle that Etna offers, its recent activity is posing a significant challenge for authorities and the tourism sector. Experts continue to closely monitor the volcano's behavior, while airports and airlines are adapting operations according to the development of activity and the spread of ash.

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