Nation-wide four-hour air-traffic-control strike set for 30 September; ENAC publishes guaranteed-flight list
Italian Civil Aviation Authority Publishes ‘Guaranteed Flights’ List Ahead of 30 September ENAV Strike
Volcanic ash from Mount Etna shuts down Catania Airport for third straight day
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Delta Issues Global Waiver for Italy Routes as Volcanic Ash Complicates Trans-Atlantic Operations
Delta Air Lines has opened a blanket change-fee waiver for tickets to Sicily from 27–30 September after Mount Etna forced prolonged airport closures. The policy, unusual for a Europe-specific event, aims to minimise aircraft repositioning challenges and protect customers from last-minute disruptions. Multinationals should expect tighter seat availability on alternative routings and review insurance requirements for ash-related delays.
Etna eruption grounds flights at Catania Fontanarossa Airport until late Sunday
Mount Etna’s ash plume forced Catania’s main airport to suspend all arrivals and departures until at least 23:59 on 27 September. Dozens of flights have been diverted or cancelled, affecting business and leisure travel across Italy and Europe. Companies should activate contingency-routing plans and remind travellers that EU261 compensation does not apply to volcanic events.
Etna ash forces full-day shutdown of Catania Fontanarossa Airport
Catania Airport will remain closed until midnight on 27 September due to ash from Mount Etna, causing widespread flight cancellations, diversions and passenger disruption across Sicily. The shutdown affects about 30,000 travellers and poses immediate challenges for business itineraries and supply chains that rely on the island’s main air gateway.
Italy confirms 30 September nationwide air-traffic-control strike
ENAV controllers and Techno Sky technicians will strike nationwide for four hours on 30 September, affecting major airports and overflights. Guaranteed-flight bands will soften the blow, but airlines are already cancelling services and warning of delays. EU261 compensation does not apply, so corporate travellers should rebook early and allow for knock-on disruptions.
Three new migrant landings on Lampedusa push hotspot to 693 occupants
Overnight boat arrivals and an NGO rescue have brought 170 more migrants to Lampedusa, driving occupancy at the island’s reception centre to 693—well above capacity and raising logistical pressures on Sicily’s transport network and immigration services.
24-Hour Public-Transport Strike in Bolzano Set for 28 September, Commuters Advised to Check Guaranteed Services
Bolzano’s bus and cable-car staff will strike for 24 hours on 28 September, with only peak-hour minimum services guaranteed. Business travellers should expect limited public transport, potential taxi shortages and heavier road traffic during Alto Adige Innovation Week.
UK removes Etna ash warning from Italy travel advice as flights set to resume
Britain’s FCDO has scrubbed references to Etna-related flight disruption from its Italy travel advice, signalling confidence that operations at Catania are stabilising. The change reduces insurance hurdles for UK-based travellers but firms should continue to monitor local updates.
World Day of Migrants and Refugees focuses on child protection, Pope calls for shared responsibility
During the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on 27 September, Pope Leone XIV urged governments—including Italy—to prioritise the protection of child migrants. The appeal adds moral weight to ongoing legislative debates about reception standards and could spur new public-private initiatives aimed at integrating young arrivals.