Catania Airport Halts All Flights Again as Etna Ash Cloud Returns
EU Court of Justice holds key hearing on Schengen entry refusals
Italy braces for nationwide air-traffic strike on 30 September; minimum-service list published
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Wave of Airport and ATC Strikes Poised to Disrupt Italian Air Travel Through 30 September
Ground-handling staff at Cagliari are already on strike, and nationwide ENAV walk-outs scheduled for 13:00-17:00 on 30 September threaten flight cancellations at Rome, Bari, Bologna, Milan Linate, Naples and other airports. ENAC has published the list of guaranteed flights, but corporates should brace for disruption as airlines invoke flexible-rebooking policies.
Catania airport fully reopens as volcanic-ash alert downgraded
Catania–Fontanarossa Airport has returned to full operations after the volcanic-ash alert was lowered this morning. Normal border and slot procedures are back in force, but airlines face a significant backlog. Businesses relying on the Sicilian hub should retain contingency plans as Etna’s activity may spike again.
Strike by ground-handling staff hits Cagliari Elmas airport today
Sogaer staff at Cagliari Elmas launched a 24-hour strike today, disrupting Sardinia’s main airport during the critical post-summer travel window. Although guaranteed flights are running, delays and cancellations are widespread. Businesses should adjust travel plans and prepare for wider industrial action in October.
Technical fault slows high-speed services on Rome–Naples corridor
A signalling fault near Ceccano caused significant delays on the Rome–Naples high-speed line this morning. Although normal service has resumed, the incident underscores limited resilience ahead of the nationwide aviation strike. Travellers should add buffer time and check real-time RFI updates.
Italian Consulate in Barcelona issues severe-weather travel advisory
Italy’s consulate in Barcelona has issued a heavy-rain advisory for Catalonia, warning of possible road and rail disruption on 29 September. Italians in the region should plan extra travel time—a particular concern given the impending air-traffic strike in Italy.
Nation-wide four-hour air-traffic-control strike set for 30 September; ENAC publishes guaranteed-flight list
ENAV air-traffic controllers will stage a four-hour national strike on 30 September 2026 (13:00–17:00). ENAC has published an updated list of ‘guaranteed flights’, but most short-haul services risk delays or cancellations. Corporate travel programmes should prepare contingency plans, and airlines have begun issuing change-fee waivers. Under EU rules, travellers are entitled to rebooking or refunds, but not cash compensation, because the action is by third-party staff.
Italian Civil Aviation Authority Publishes ‘Guaranteed Flights’ List Ahead of 30 September ENAV Strike
ENAC has published the official list of ‘guaranteed flights’ that will operate during a four-hour national air-traffic-controller strike on 30 September. The list safeguards 160 priority flights, but most other services risk cancellation or heavy delay. Businesses should check whether employee travel is protected and adjust cargo or meeting schedules accordingly.
Volcanic ash from Mount Etna shuts down Catania Airport for third straight day
Catania Airport has been closed until at least 23:59 on 28 September 2026 after new ash emissions from Mount Etna. The three-day shutdown is disrupting flights, lengthening journeys for business travellers and rerouting cargo. Airlines must refund or rebook affected passengers but are exempt from cash compensation because the cause is ‘extraordinary’. Companies with operations in Sicily are activating contingency plans and advising travellers to use alternative airports or rail links.
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.