Etna Eruption Paralyzes Sicily Airports, Stranding 200 Polish Tourists

Increased volcanic activity at Mount Etna has severely disrupted air travel in Sicily, stranding approximately 200 Polish tourists and prompting official warnings from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Impact on Polish Travelers

Increased activity of the Etna volcano has led to severe air traffic disruptions in Sicily. Speaking on Tuesday, August 11, on TVP Info, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maciej Wewiór stated that around 200 Polish tourists are currently having trouble leaving the island. He emphasized that this number is changing dynamically because some flights are being rerouted and some tourists are leaving the island via other means of transport.

Wewiór also indicated that passengers should first contact airlines directly, as they have a legal obligation to provide assistance. The MFA spokesperson assured that the Polish consul remains in constant contact with citizens and supports them in their interactions with carriers.

Catania Airport Restrictions

The suspension of landings in Catania until evening has added to the crisis. The main cause of communication problems during the peak tourist season is a volcanic ash cloud floating in the atmosphere.

The management of the airport in Catania—one of the two largest airports on the island—decided to completely suspend landings on Tuesday, August 11, until 7:00 PM. Aircraft are taking off exclusively from a single runway. The difficulties may also affect the functioning of other ports in the region.

Diplomatic Warnings and Alternative Routes

In connection with the situation, the Polish MFA and the Polish Embassy in Italy issued official warnings via the X platform and the Odyseusz system. Diplomatic services appeal to all travelers to monitor flight statuses on carriers’ websites or mobile applications before heading to the airport.

The MFA reminds travelers of the necessity to register trips in the Odyseusz system, which enables consuls to immediately contact citizens in crisis situations. For travelers whose flights from Catania have been canceled, the MFA recommends considering returns from alternative airports, such as Palermo, Trapani, Comiso, Reggio di Calabria, Lamezia Terme, or even Malta.