Aviation authorities raised the aviation alert to red for Mount Etna after explosive activity sent thick ash plumes up to FL160 and into airspace used by commercial flights.
Ash plume and aviation risk
The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre confirmed ash clouds reaching up to FL160 (about 16,000 ft / 4.9 km) and drifting NNW, a combination that can threaten aircraft engines and visibility.
- Ash plumes were reported to drift west and northwest.
- Each episode was expected to dissipate in 6–12 hours, but authorities warned the direction and density of ash can shift quickly.
- Ash can be difficult to detect visually from the cockpit and can be carried far from the source as it drifts; this is why advisories track plume height and direction.
The highest-level red alert reflected the risk of sudden, dense ash concentrations reaching commercial flight altitudes.
Eruption timeline and characteristics
Mount Etna’s current eruptive phase began on December 26, 2025, and has alternated between explosive bursts and quieter periods.
- December 27–28: the phase intensified with continuous explosions and short, powerful bursts injecting ash into commercial flight altitudes.
- Authorities issued red alerts from December 27–29 as conditions changed with each episode.
- Activity has included:
- Intermittent lava fountaining
- Lava flows channeled into the Valle del Bove on the eastern flank
- Ash emissions from summit craters
- Incandescent ejecta visible at night
Ground impacts and local conditions
- Lava flows were channeled into the Valle del Bove, avoiding populated areas; no injuries or major ground disruptions were reported.
- The volcano’s slopes remain fertile and support agriculture, illustrating how local communities often live alongside recurring eruptions.
- Visibility of the plume has varied with wind; nighttime glow from lava and ejecta has revealed continued intensity even when daylight activity appears quieter.
Monitoring and observations
- Monitoring has included live 4K streams from ~515 m elevation showing real-time views of the Southeast Crater, the Valle del Bove, and nighttime lava glow.
- These images provided clear views of activity on the eastern flank, where lava continued to channel into the broad depression.
Aviation and airport status
- Catania Airport remained open, though airlines and air traffic managers reported possible delays and diversions as they adjusted to ash conditions.
- No full airport closures were reported; disruptions were primarily described as delays and reroutings rather than shutdowns.
- For travelers, the primary concern has been ash at cruising and climb-and-descent altitudes, not ground damage.
Historical context
- Mount Etna is one of the world’s most active stratovolcanoes, with an elevation of ~3,329 m, and frequently produces episodes that affect aviation.
- The current phase follows a familiar pattern of alternating intensification and calmer periods.
- Prior 2025 events also triggered heightened aviation concern:
- June 2, 2025: a pyroclastic flow produced a cloud height of 6.5 km and prompted a red alert.
- February 2025: unrest caused flight disruptions.
Practical implications for travelers
- The outlook for flights depends on timing and wind direction rather than a single sustained closure.
- Airlines, airports and passengers should expect:
- Possible delays
- Diversions / rerouting
- Short-notice changes to arrivals and departures during intermittent bursts
- Travelers using Catania as a gateway to Sicily were urged to check real-time updates from aviation authorities for flight status.
Summary table — Key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Alert level | Red (aviation authorities) |
| Plume height | FL160 (~16,000 ft / 4.9 km) |
| Drift direction | NNW / west–northwest |
| Episode duration | Typically 6–12 hours to dissipate |
| Airport status | Catania Airport open (delays/diversions reported) |
| Eruption start | December 26, 2025 |
| Intensified episodes | December 27–28, 2025 |
| Ground impact | No injuries / major disruptions; lava into Valle del Bove |
Key takeaways
- The red aviation alert reflected explosive activity producing thick ash plumes up to FL160, posing a significant hazard to aircraft.
- The eruption has alternated between intense bursts and calmer periods, producing ash, lava fountaining, lava flows, and incandescent ejecta visible at night.
- With ash episodes expected to dissipate in 6–12 hours, flight impacts depend on wind direction and timing, leading to delays and reroutings rather than sustained airport closures.
📖Learn today
FL160
Flight Level 160, representing an altitude of approximately 16,000 feet above mean sea level.
Ash Plume
A cloud of pulverized rock, glass, and sand emitted during an explosive volcanic eruption.
Stratovolcano
A tall, conical volcano built up by many layers of hardened lava and tephra.
Valle del Bove
A large horseshoe-shaped depression on the eastern flank of Mount Etna.
📝This Article in a Nutshell
Mount Etna’s intensified eruption has prompted a red aviation alert as ash plumes reach commercial flight altitudes. While Catania Airport is open, flights face rerouting and delays. Lava flows are currently limited to the Valle del Bove, ensuring no ground injuries. Authorities emphasize that visibility and ash density fluctuate rapidly, necessitating constant monitoring and flexible travel plans for those visiting Sicily during this active period.
