# Mount Etna ash shuts Catania Airport, 1,000+ flights cancelled

2026-08-14T11:05:20+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Sicily's busiest airport, Catania, has been closed for five consecutive days due to persistent ash from Mount Etna, disrupting peak summer travel. Sources disagree on the end date: Livemint reports closure until Friday morning, while Hindustan Times says it will last until Saturday afternoon, the Ferragosto holiday. Over 1,000 flights have been cancelled and more than 1 lakh passengers affected, according to La Repubblica. Flights have been diverted to Palermo, Trapani and Comiso, with rental car prices surging. Industry estimates put the economic loss at between €13 million and €24 million over four days.

## Coverage

- livemint.com <https://www.livemint.com/news/world/sicilys-catania-airport-shuts-down-due-to-mount-etna-eruption-1-000-flights-canceled-11786697958506.html>
- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/persistent-etna-ash-shuts-sicily-s-busiest-airport-during-peak-holiday-week-101786735200460.html>

Tags: Catania airport, flight cancellations, Mount Etna, Ryanair, Sicily tourism, volcanic ash
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