Mount Etna erupts mid-tourist season! Are flights safe for Italy? Can you claim compensation for cancelled flights?

Time of India

2 days ago

On June 2, 2025, Italy's iconic Mount Etna erupted violently, sending a towering plume of volcanic ash into the sky and prompting immediate emergency measures across eastern Sicily.
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The sudden eruption not only startled tourists but also caused widespread panic and significant disruption to the region's thriving tourism industry. Popular among adventurers, geologists, and vacationers, the region around Mount Etna was hit hardest as volcanic ash blanketed roads, trails, and towns.
Though no casualties have been reported, the eruption has raised concerns about travel safety, emergency preparedness, and environmental impact.
With seismic tremors still active and the possibility of further eruptions, Italian authorities are urging both residents and tourists to remain cautious. Here's a detailed breakdown of the eruption, the current situation, and its implications for travelers and locals alike.
Mount Etna erupts in hours! Ash showers blanket villages
According to the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the eruption began on the evening of June 2, with tremors first recorded around 10 PM local time.
Within three hours, Strombolian activity—characterized by periodic explosive bursts of lava—had intensified dramatically. By 1 AM, ash plumes had reached altitudes of 6,400 meters (21,000 feet), visible from miles away.
Videos shared on social media showed tourists fleeing from lava trails and ash showers as sirens blared in nearby villages. Streets, parked cars, and restaurant patios were quickly covered in a thick layer of ash.
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Emergency services were activated immediately to aid evacuations and close off high-risk areas.
Tourist hotspots closed, flights delayed amid Mount Etna eruption
The eruption has led to temporary closure of trekking trails, guided tours, and observation platforms around Mount Etna. Popular towns such as Zafferana Etnea, Nicolosi, and Linguaglossa, which serve as gateways to Etna excursions, are experiencing a sharp decline in tourist activity due to ash accumulation and ongoing safety concerns.
Hotels in the region have begun receiving cancellations, and tourism boards are working closely with civil protection agencies to redirect visitors to safer parts of Sicily.
Despite the eruption, Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (Vincenzo Bellini Airport) remains operational. Outbound flights are largely unaffected, but inbound flights from major cities such as Rome, Milan, and Berlin have faced minor delays and rerouting to avoid the ash cloud.
The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) initially issued a Code Red aviation warning, which is used for large ash events that could severely impact air traffic. This has since been downgraded to Code Orange, though pilots are still being advised to exercise extreme caution.
Travelers are advised to check with their airlines or the airport's official channels before heading out, as the situation can change rapidly depending on wind patterns and volcanic activity.
Mount Etna sparks mass evacuations, no casualties reported so far
As of the latest reports, there have been no injuries or fatalities. Authorities emphasize that while the eruption is visually dramatic, it currently poses no direct threat to most residential areas. However, tourists in close proximity to the volcano have been evacuated as a precaution.
Civil protection services are actively monitoring the volcano using drones, satellites, and ground instruments to detect changes in seismic patterns.
Local residents have been advised to stay indoors, especially in areas where ashfall is heaviest, and to wear masks if they must go outside.
What is Mount Etna
Mount Etna, located on the east coast of Sicily near Catania, is Europe's most active volcano and one of the most monitored in the world. Classified as a stratovolcano, Mount Etna has been erupting for hundreds of thousands of years. It currently stands at approximately 3,329 meters (10,922 feet), though its height fluctuates with each eruption due to accumulated lava and ash.
Etna's volcanic activity is not new. It erupts several times a year, but this particular episode has been classified as one of the most intense in recent memory due to the sheer volume of ash and its sudden onset. Its frequent eruptions have earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and it remains a major attraction for tourists despite its volatility.
Health and safety tips amid volcanic ash
Health experts warn that exposure to volcanic ash, particularly PM10 and PM2.5 particles, can lead to respiratory issues, especially among:
Children and the elderly
Individuals with asthma or lung conditions
Pregnant women
Those with weakened immune systems
Safety recommendations:
Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in ash-affected areas
Keep windows and doors closed to prevent ash from entering indoor spaces
Wear high-quality masks (N95 or equivalent) when outdoors
Use air purifiers indoors, if available
Drive cautiously, as ash can reduce visibility and make roads slippery
Flight delays from volcanoes? Here's what airlines will compensate for
Flight disruptions due to volcanic eruptions are considered 'extraordinary circumstances' under most airline policies. This means:
Refunds or alternate flights may be offered by airlines for canceled trips
Compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 is not guaranteed, as natural disasters are typically excluded
Travel insurance may cover additional expenses, depending on the policy and coverage for natural disasters
Travelers are advised to contact their airlines directly and review their insurance policies for eligibility.
What's next? Ongoing monitoring and risk assessment
Volcanologists are keeping a close watch on Mount Etna as seismic activity remains high. There is potential for further eruptions in the coming days, depending on pressure build-up and magma movement. The INGV continues to release hourly bulletins and warnings based on satellite imagery and geophysical data.
Local authorities are also planning to deploy additional emergency response units if evacuation zones need to be expanded.