It spews ash every day—ceaselessly, without a moment’s pause. It is a strange, reddish ash—so light that it barely settles on the ground, instead drifting on the wind to great altitudes, forcing aircraft to steer clear and causing the Catania airport to close again and again. And yet, Etna is not actually erupting. Italian media ought to stop repeating the headline “New Eruption”, because that is not what is happening. So, what is really going on at Etna? And, above all, when will it end?
The Great Cleanup of the Northeast Crater
As volcanologist Marco Neri explains so well in an article on the official INGV Vulcani website : “This phenomenon is part of the post-eruptive phase following the intense activity of July–August 2026, during which the Voragine Crater (VOR) produced frequent explosions and lava flows.”
Indeed, during that period of intense unrest, the Voragine poured cascades of lava into the nearby Northeast Crater. It was a peculiar phenomenon—one that hadn’t occurred at Etna’s summit for a long time—and it certainly “disrupted” the normal activity of this second crater. Once the eruptive events had ceased, the Northeast Crater resumed its usual degassing, but with a significant amount of new material obstructing its vent. And since the gas erodes the walls—literally “scraping” them and dragging debris along—if it encounters fresh lava in its path, it pulverizes that too.
“The reddish-brown plume currently being emitted by the Northeast Crater,” Dr. Neri continues, “indicates the mechanical removal of solid material pre-existing in the conduit, a process driven by the lowering of the magma column and the consequent drop in magmatic pressure. This behavior is typical of post-eruptive phases, where the volcano shifts from a sustained feeding regime to one of residual degassing.” In short, the Northeast Crater is doing some great cleanup… that’s all it is about.
Ash and problems: how long will it last?
The fact that this is merely post-eruption cleanup doesn’t change the reality that ash is still being dispersed into the atmosphere, causing ongoing disruption and problems —or rather, increasing them. This affects both residents, who have to breathe in these tiny particles, and travelers, whose flights from Catania airport are constantly being rescheduled or cancelled.
It is impossible to say how long this will last. Precisely because this isn’t an eruption—which, while unpredictable, usually has a clear beginning and end. The cleanup process, on the other hand, could drag on for months, following no precise pattern or predictable timeline.
We spoke to Dr. Boris Behncke, also a volcanologist at INGV Catania, who confirmed that making predictions in this scenario is even more difficult than usual. There are no instruments to signal the “end of the conduit cleanup”, so it is impossible to determine how or when the ash emissions will cease.
Nor is it the volcanologists’ role to advise the airport or airlines on how to resolve this perennial problem. The relevant authorities—the region, the responsible bodies, and even the airlines—ought to collaborate to mitigate the inconvenience with quick, immediate solutions, instead of passing the buck at the expense of the citizens!
The best time for Etna enthusiasts
For Etna enthusiasts, however, this “non-eruption eruption” is the perfect moment. There are no alerts or restrictions—just a pure spectacle, free from risks or prohibitions. While it is sad for tourists—or for a relative who might have to switch airports for their departure—the current situation actually favors volcano tourism.
Many tourists choose to hike along the volcano’s trails, often accompanied by expert guides. Naturally, the favorite destinations are the craters—whether dormant or active; observing the unique volcanic landscape and admiring the view—even in winter, with snow and the chance to ski—is what thrills so many visitors. Yet, everyone comes here hoping for an eruption… only to discover that when eruptions actually occur, the volcano is often “closed off” and visits are banned.
In the current situation, the spectacle is remarkably similar to an eruption… the only thing missing is the fire! And since the risk is low—or virtually non-existent—venturing along the trails, through the gullies, or even to the summit is an exciting experience. It is thrilling not only for tourists but also for the many local residents who are passionate about this lively, never-dull volcano.
Safety first
We cannot stress this enough, even during “quiet periods”: tourism must be managed carefully, with respect for both the environment and safety. Always. Etna is, after all, a fragile and still-active landscape. That is why it is important to stick to authorized paths and follow the authorities’ instructions. In this way, tourism can contribute to both the appreciation and the preservation of the area.
Before setting out, it is essential to check weather conditions and the status of the volcano. The weather on Etna can change rapidly, especially at higher altitudes, where temperatures can be much lower than on the coast. It is therefore advisable to wear appropriate clothing, hiking boots, and a waterproof jacket, and to carry sufficient food and water. Another important aspect is respecting the trails and official guidelines. Visitors must not venture into restricted areas or approach the craters without authorization, and they should always follow the instructions of local guides and operators.
Finally, safe tourism must also be environmentally responsible. Visitors should avoid littering, refrain from damaging vegetation, and respect the wildlife and natural landscape. (PHOTOS G MUSUMECI)