Flight operations at Catania airport remained suspended following fresh activity from Mount Etna, prompting the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) to raise the aviation alert status from orange to red due to heavy volcanic ash emissions. As Italy's fifth busiest airport, handling over 12.3 million passengers annually, Catania frequently faces disruptions from its volatile neighbor. While Etna is Europe's most active volcano - soaring over 3,300 meters - scientists note it is generally effusive rather than explosive, posing minimal threat to nearby towns compared to historically destructive peaks like Vesuvius, despite creating recurring logistical headaches.