Lucrezia Ciotti Etna is back under observation due to weak ash emissions from its summit craters. The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) has lowered its aviation alert from red to orange, while monitoring the volcano continues for possible repercussions on Catania's air traffic.
Etna, possible repercussions on Catania flights: what could happen in the next few days
Attention remains focused on the potential consequences for the Catania-Fontanarossa airspace , which has already been affected in the past by restrictions and suspensions of flights due to volcanic ash. The current situation appears less intense, but Etna's evolution cannot be predicted with certainty: after the alternating explosive and effusive phenomena recorded in August, with activity at the Voragine and the opening of vents in the Valle del Bove and Valle del Leone areas, phases of attenuation, new intermittent emissions, or further resurgence of activity remain possible.
For residents, tourists, and travelers, the reference point remains the official updates from the INGV and the airport, without considering the reduction in the alert as a definitive end to the phenomenon.
Etna volcano emergency: new bulletin changes the scenario
The Etna Observatory of the INGV has reduced the VONA (Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation) color code from red to orange , following the previous increase linked to the emission of ash from Etna's summit craters.
According to the bulletin issued at 07:19 a.m. on September 8, 2026 , activity has subsided: visual and thermal surveillance cameras still detect weak ash emission , but no volcanic cloud is being produced suspended in the atmosphere. The emitted material is being transported southward by winds, with indications also indicating a south-westerly component. The phenomenon remains under observation through the institute's monitoring network, while the downgrading signals a reduction in the level of alert compared to the previous phase.