14 September 2026Severe weather

Mount Etna eruption closes Catania Airport, 14-15 September

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Mount Etna erupted near Catania, Sicily, on 14 September, sending an ash cloud about 4km high and sharply reducing visibility.
Catania Airport said volcanic activity forced the closure of airspace sectors around the airport, and it was shut to air traffic from Monday morning.
Flights resumed at 19:00 on Tuesday 15 September after the volcanic alert status was downgraded from red to orange, ending roughly two days of suspended operations.

Sources: The Local Italy · Travel Market Report

WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR CLAIM

COMPENSATION: UNLIKELY — CARE STILL OWED

Weather that genuinely prevents safe operation is an extraordinary circumstance, so compensation is usually not owed — but the airline must still provide meals, hotel where needed, and rerouting or a refund. Watch for weather being blamed when other flights on the same route operated: the burden of proving the link is on the airline.

Basis: McDonagh v Ryanair (C-12/11) — care owed even in extraordinary events

WHATEVER THE CAUSE, YOU'RE OWED

Meals and refreshments after 2–4 hours' wait (by flight distance), plus hotel and transfers if you are delayed overnight.
On cancellation: the choice between rerouting as soon as possible, rerouting at a later date, or a full refund within 7 days.
If the airline provides no care, keep receipts — reasonable expenses are reimbursable.
These duties apply even when the disruption itself is extraordinary.

CAUGHT IN THIS RIGHT NOW?

Open the Black Box and record what the airline tells you — especially the reason. The exact wording decides the extraordinary-circumstances question later.
Ask for rerouting in writing (app chat or email), and keep every receipt.
Once you know your final delay, check your flight and generate the letter.
Airline already replied with an excuse? Decode it.

This page explains the rules that generally apply to this type of disruption. Airlines assess each claim on its own facts; eligibility for a specific flight depends on its circumstances.