Catania and Comiso airports were closed to all operations on Monday (today) due to a new eruption of Mount Etna, causing an ash cloud in the southeast of Sicily which moved into the Mediterranean.

Air Malta issued a statement on 14th August to say that Catania will be closed today and that the airport will re-open to inbound and outbound flights once the volcanic ash disperses.

“This has unfortunately resulted in a six-hour delay to Air Malta flights KM640 from Malta to Catania and KM641 from Catania to Malta,” Air Malta confirmed in a statement.

It said that customers have been provided refreshments in both Malta International Airport and Catania airport during the flight delay.

The national airline however warned that the airport delays “may result in other ongoing disruption during the course of the day as operations recover”.

This is the second major disruption at Catania airport in recent weeks. Earlier this month, 8,000 were left stranded due to a fire at the airport which severely disrupted operations up until seven days ago.

Featured Image:

Catania Airport

Related

Stronger worker protections introduced through labour law amendments

May 16, 2025
by Nicole Zammit

The Government has announced tougher penalties for employers who breach labour laws, aiming to strengthen worker protections and deter abuse

FPEI marks its 10th anniversary with financial literacy and business growth event

May 16, 2025
by BN Writer

It aims to explore the financial foundations every business needs

‘Models should control how their images are used’ – BetterStudio’s Luca Arrigo on ethical AI in fashion

May 15, 2025
by Sam Vassallo

'We’re not here to erase real talent but to expand opportunities'