Mount Etna eruption: Is traveling to Italy's Sicily safe now?

Italy is currently facing significant turmoil among tourists due to the violent eruption of Mount Etna, which released massive clouds of ash into the atmosphere and necessitated the evacuation of affected areas. The sudden volcanic activity has disrupted travel and tourism across Sicily, leading to emergency evacuations because of the hazardous conditions created by the thick ash fallout.

In response to the widespread impact of this dramatic natural event, officials are closely monitoring the situation and prioritizing the safety of visitors.


What’s happening?

Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, erupted early on Monday, June 2, producing large plumes of smoke and prompting tourists to flee for their lives. Mount Etna has a distinct conical shape and reaches a height of nearly 3,400 meters due to centuries of continuous lava flows and explosive eruptions.

The eruption began around 4 a.m. local time, with Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology reporting increasingly intense strombolian explosions.

Etna, situated on Sicily’s east coast near Catania and Taormina, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's most active stratovolcanoes, with annual eruptions.


Is it safe to travel to Sicily?

Although many tourists were caught off guard by the sudden volcanic activity, leading to panic as they hurried down the slopes to escape the ash and swirling smoke, local officials reported that there was no immediate danger to the residents, even though tourists experienced widespread panic.

It is still safe to travel to Sicily, even when Mount Etna is erupting. Local authorities and residents are accustomed to dealing with Mount Etna eruptions. For the last five years, it has been erupting multiple times a year. Despite this, tourism to Sicily has been on the rise.



Code Red to Orange:

The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre ranked the aviation alert at "code red" before downgrading it to "orange." Catania Airport remains operational with some delays, and there are no reports of injuries or significant damage. AccuWeather reported that the ash cloud is expected to drift southwest, potentially affecting visibility and air quality.


Air travel disruptions:

When eruptions occur, the airport typically advises travelers to check their flight status with their airline prior to departure, as volcanic activity can result in rapid changes.

Mount Etna's eruption has caused some disruptions to air travel. Catania Airport, located at the foot of Mount Etna, has experienced delays and cancellations due to ash clouds. However, the airport remains operational, and flights are gradually resuming. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for real-time updates and to monitor official guidance regarding the safety of traveling in the affected region.

Although Catania Airport remains fully operational and departures are proceeding as scheduled, arrival flights from Rome, Milan, and Berlin have faced delays this afternoon.



Ground transportation and health precautions:

Ground transportation services, such as trains and buses, can be temporarily affected by poor visibility from ashfall, especially when coupled with rainfall, which can cause slippery conditions on the roads near the volcano. Worsening air quality is also a risk for individuals with chronic breathing issues such as asthma or COPD. During periods of ashfall, officials advise limiting exposure until the air has cleared.


Travel tips for visitors:

Stay informed: Monitor official updates from local authorities and the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology for real-time information on volcanic activity.

Check flight status: Verify your flight status with your airline before heading to the airport, as volcanic activity can lead to sudden changes in flight schedules.

Health precautions: If you have respiratory issues, consider wearing a mask and limit outdoor activities during periods of ashfall.

Guided tours: If planning to visit areas near the volcano, consider joining a guided tour to ensure safety and gain expert insights into the volcanic activity.

For up-to-date information, individuals are encouraged to monitor airline websites or apps, as well as their social media profiles.