Etna eruption: lava fountains and ash cloud lead to reduced flights to Catania

Mount Etna has erupted once again today, August 4, 2024, with lava fountains and an ash cloud spreading in the surrounding area. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, Etna Observatory, reported that the strong strombolian activity at the Voragine crater has led to the emission of lava and a volcanic cloud with ash and lapilli falling towards the East-Southeast. Several towns, including Acireale and Zafferana, have been affected, with Zafferana already covered in a thick layer of ash. Due to the eruption, Catania airport has reduced operations, closing sector B1 and limiting arrivals to six flights per hour. Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights with their respective airlines.