Mount Etna activity eases on 3 October 2026

Mount Etna entered a quieter phase on 3 October 2026, when Italy’s volcano observatory reported that the latest eruption was over and that negligible ash emissions were continuing. The volcano above Catania, also called Mongibello in some historical sources, remains an active site under monitoring.

Mount Etna’s eruption ended on 3 October 2026

The Etna Observatory of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology recorded a Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation at 6.29am UTC on 3 October 2026. Its aviation colour code was yellow, the notice described the eruption as gone and the activity summary reported negligible ash emission ongoing. The notice is listed on the observatory’s latest Etna updates.

The change followed renewed ash activity that affected air travel in eastern Sicily. Catania airport reopened on 29 September 2026 after a three-day shutdown, although flights were briefly suspended again that morning. Reuters reported that the airport operator restored services after the aviation warning fell from red to orange, while ash from the volcano continued to shape conditions around the airport.

How the volcanic status affects Catania visits

For travellers, the 3 October 2026 notice means that the immediate aviation disruption had eased, not that Mount Etna had become inactive. Italy’s Civil Protection Department listed the volcano’s alert level as yellow and explains that its four-colour system reflects the possible evolution of volcanic activity and its effects.

The department describes Mount Etna as Europe’s largest volcano, rising to 3,350 metres above sea level and extending across a base about 35 kilometres wide. Its summit contains Bocca Nuova, Voragine, the north-east crater and the south-east crater. This structure gives the 3 October update a practical significance: a quieter aviation phase does not remove the need to check conditions near the summit before setting out.

Ash emissions can disrupt transport even when they do not threaten built-up areas directly. The Civil Protection Department says ash fall can affect Catania Fontanarossa, Sigonella and Reggio Calabria airports. The same authority notes that volcanic activity can change suddenly, so the yellow alert should not be read as a permanent access guarantee.

Visiting Mount Etna: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The latest official activity update was issued on 3 October 2026, when INGV reported that the eruption was gone and negligible ash emission was ongoing.
• Access conditions are separate from the aviation colour code. Before hiking, visitors should check the latest activity information and follow instructions from authorised guides and local authorities.
• Mount Etna lies on Sicily’s east coast near Catania. The volcano can be approached from the Catania side, but the final route and permitted areas depend on current conditions.
• The summit reaches 3,350 metres, where high-mountain conditions, lower temperatures and strong gusts can occur despite Sicily’s mild coastal climate.
• The terrain includes volcanic cones, lava fields and the Valle del Bove, an eastern depression about 5 kilometres wide and 8 kilometres long.
• Italy’s official language is Italian and its currency is the euro.
• Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.

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Frequently asked questions about Mount Etna

What changed at Mount Etna on 3 October 2026?

INGV reported that the latest eruption was over, with negligible ash emissions continuing and the aviation colour code at yellow.

Is Mount Etna open to visitors after 3 October 2026?

The official update does not provide a blanket access ruling. Hiking conditions and permitted areas must be checked before departure with current authorities and authorised guides.

Where is Mount Etna and how do you get there?

Mount Etna is on Sicily’s east coast near Catania. Visitors can approach the volcano from the Catania side, with the route and access point depending on the planned activity and current restrictions.