Etna ash cloud — live VAAC advisories & forecast
When Etna emits volcanic ash, the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (Météo-France) issues official Volcanic Ash Advisories describing the observed cloud and its forecast position at +6, +12 and +18 hours. This page shows the latest advisory in full — extent, flight levels, movement and the official graphic — updated as soon as a new one is published.
Toulouse VAAC reports no observed volcanic ash · ETNA.149 · 11 Sept, 20:10 UTC
ETNA VOLCANIC ASH — VAAC ADVISORY
Toulouse VAAC · volcano ETNA 211060 — official advisories take priority over any wind indication
ERUPTION AT 20260909/0900Z WEAK ASH EMISSION OVER THE CRATER
RMKTHIN PLUME IDENTIFIABLE FROM INGV WEBCAM, DISSIPATING QUICKLY BT DRIFTING EASTWARD. VERY LOW ASH CONCENTRATION, NOT DETECTABLE FROM SAT IMAGERY.
Full detail
Who issues Etna ash cloud advisories?
The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), run by Météo-France, is the centre officially responsible for Etna in ICAO's aviation warning system. When volcanic ash is detected it issues a Volcanic Ash Advisory (VAA) giving the observed position of the cloud and forecasts at +6, +12 and +18 hours, based on satellite imagery, dispersion models and INGV's data.
What do the flight levels (FL) mean?
Flight levels express altitude in hundreds of feet: FL150 is about 15,000 ft (≈4.6 km). A figure like SFC/FL140 means the ash cloud extends from the surface up to about 14,000 ft. This page converts the main levels to feet and kilometres automatically.
Does Etna ash stop flights?
It can: volcanic ash is hazardous to jet engines, and during stronger emissions Catania Airport may reduce or suspend operations. Operational decisions rest with the airport authorities — check our Catania Airport status page and official SAC notices before travelling.
What happens when there is no ash?
When no cloud is observed or forecast, the latest advisory states it explicitly (NO VA EXP) and this page reports it as-is. Advisories taper off when an emission ends; the last advisory issued remains visible here with its timestamp.