Is it safe to travel to Italy’s Sicily after Mount Etna volcano erupts?

Mount Etna, one of Europe’s largest and most active volcanoes, has erupted on the Italian island of Sicily, sending a massive plume of ash and smoke billowing into the sky as tourists ran for their lives down the side of the mountain.

Although Etna has a long history of volcanic activity, with hundreds of eruptions recorded since 1500 BC, this latest eruption included a pyroclastic flow, a dangerous mix of hot rock, ash, and gas. A striking lava fountain also emerged from its southeast crater, adding to the drama.

So, with Sicily back in the headlines, the question on many travellers’ minds is — is it actually safe to visit during volcanic activity? Here’s what you should keep in mind.

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Mount Etna’s dramatic eruption

Mount Etna erupted on Monday night, sending a massive column of ash and smoke into the skies above Sicily, prompting panic among tourists and a swift alert from authorities.

Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) confirmed the eruption, citing strong strombolian activity– a type of eruption – “of growing intensity” characterised by explosive bursts of lava and ash. Tremors also began between 10 pm Sunday and 1 am Monday local time.

The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre reported the ash plume had soared to 6,400 metres, triggering a “code red” warning, indicating possible effects of the ash fallout on the nearby tourist areas. Later downgraded to orange as the ash began drifting northwest.

Dramatic footage posted online showed people fleeing down Etna’s slopes as thick smoke darkened the sky.

🚨 A stunning explosion from Mount Etna this morning caught everyone by surprise

Sicilia, Italy 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/iNkDOSRawB

— Mambo Italiano (@mamboitaliano__) June 2, 2025

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In graphics | Can volcano eruptions be predicted? 2

Sicilians 'not worried' that Mount Etna is erupting as they have 'seen worse'

Parents sent me this from Sicily - Mount Etna erupting pic.twitter.com/tnjJcAwTjO

— Ava-Santina (@AvaSantina) June 2, 2025

Located near Catania, Mount Etna sits within a national park that draws thousands of tourists every year with its lava trails and sweeping views of Sicily’s Baroque architecture.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as seismic activity persists.

When was the last time Mount Etna erupted?

Mount Etna last erupted in February this year, with ash and lava bursting out of its south-east crater, Bocca Nuova, which literally means “new mouth.”

But Etna erupting isn’t exactly unusual. It’s one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with eruptions happening pretty regularly. Most of them are mild and don’t cause much trouble for nearby towns. But that doesn’t mean it hasn’t had its more dramatic moments.

Back in 2002–2003, a major eruption sent a huge column of ash into the sky—so big, it was visible from space. In 1971, lava flows buried the original Etna Observatory. And in 1928, things turned deadly serious when an eruption destroyed the village of Mascali, which sat right on the slopes.

So why does Etna erupt so frequently? Scientists are still piecing that together, but one big factor is the clash between two massive tectonic plates, the African and Eurasian plates, which rub against each other deep beneath the surface.

Etna’s been active for over half a million years, and we have written records of its eruptions going back around 2,700 years. Scientists love it for that exact reason—there’s so much to study. The volcano’s unique features, like its lava fields, summit craters, and the Valle del Bove, offer an opportunity to understand how volcanoes behave.

It’s also home to plant and animal species you won’t find anywhere else, which adds to its scientific (and ecological) importance. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.

So, is it safe to travel to Sicily while Mount Etna is erupting?

Yes, for the most part, it’s safe to visit Sicily even when Mount Etna is active. Since eruptions are fairly common, local authorities are well-prepared and quick to respond to ash clouds, lava flows, or any changes in volcanic activity.

Some travellers are even drawn to the spectacle, hoping to catch a glimpse of the glowing lava or smoke plumes. But experts generally advise against getting too close. Apart from the obvious risks like falling ash or lava, active volcanoes can release invisible, odourless gases that can be harmful.

According to the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network, short-term exposure might cause nausea, while long-term exposure could lead to respiratory issues.

So, if you’re flying into Sicily during an eruption, it’s worth checking in with your airline before you head to the airport. Volcanic activity can sometimes lead to delays or cancellations, depending on ash cloud movement.

Sicily has four main international airports: Catania-Fontanarossa (CTA), Palermo-Falcone Borsellino (PMO), Trapani-Birgi (TPS), and Ragusa-Comiso (CIY). As of midday Monday, all of them are operating normally, with only a few minor delays reported at Catania—none lasting more than an hour, according to The Independent.

So while the volcano may be putting on a show, for now, it’s mostly business as usual on the ground.

With input from agencies