On Sunday 27 September 2026, Catania–Fontanarossa (CTA) kept all arrivals and departures suspended after fresh volcanic ash from Mount Etna entered the atmosphere and winds pushed dust across approach sectors. Airport operator SAC said the closure of airspace sector C1 was extended through 23:59 local time (21:59 GMT), with passengers told to confirm status with their airline before travelling to the terminal (Gulf News, La Sicilia, Reuters-style wires).
What travellers saw
Italy’s fifth-busiest passenger airport effectively went dark for the day — not a soft delay wave. Among long-haul links hit on the boards, flydubai showed FZ1501 Dubai→Catania and FZ1502 Catania→Dubai as cancelled on 27 September. Similar ash-related stops hit the same hub on recent days; always treat same-day Sicily itineraries as fluid until SAC and the carrier reopen the runway plan.
If the schedule is critical
When CTA is ash-closed, commercial rebooking often means overnighting or routing via mainland Italy. If the trip cannot wait, a private jet or empty leg into an open Sicilian / Calabrian alternate may be an option once permits and ash forecasts allow. Rahizi qualifies the brief and returns partner options.
Need an option today? Message WhatsApp.
Facts from SAC notices cited by Gulf News, La Sicilia and wire reports on 27 September 2026. Always verify with your carrier.
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