Italy - Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, experienced multiple strombolian explosions, occurring at the SE crater of Etna. They started on February 17 and the activity is still on going with light gas emissions detected from space. The eruption, which began intensifying on February 10, featured lava flows extending down the mountainside and a substantial plume of smoke rising several kilometers into the atmosphere.
Authorities temporarily closed Catania Airport due to volcanic ash emissions, affecting air traffic. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology of Catania (INGV) issued a red alert for aviation. While no damage or injuries were reported, 32 flights were diverted to Palermo Airport. Bus services were increased to transport passengers from Palermo to Catania.