Catania Airport is undergoing a crucial phase in its structural development, with major ongoing interventions that directly impact flights and passenger traffic.
Current Situation: Partial Closure of Catania Airport
As of March 31, 2025, Catania Airport is closed from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. to allow for delicate construction work. This temporary closure has been scheduled in view of the construction of a new runway, a project that is part of a broader expansion plan for the entire airport. The new runway is expected to be completed by October 30, 2025, a key date for the airport's relaunch.
The nighttime closure has led to changes in many airlines’ schedules, which have had to reschedule departures and arrivals to avoid the inactive time slot. While this has affected airport operations, it is part of a long-term strategy aimed at enhancing infrastructure.
Etna and Weather: Impacts on the Airport
The current situation at Catania Airport and Mount Etna deserves a separate chapter. The frequent eruptions of Etna have always posed challenges to regular airport operations. Even on days when no major eruptions are expected, the risk of volcanic ash requires constant monitoring, further adding to the complexity of flight management.
An Ambitious Project: Railway Burial and New Runway
The railway burial project crossing the airport area is one of the most ambitious currently underway. These works are essential to free up space and allow for the construction of the new runway, thereby improving safety and operational efficiency. This project is part of the airport’s modernization and is a fundamental step toward ensuring quality services at a European level.
Nico Torrisi and the Future Vision for the Airport
Nico Torrisi, CEO of SAC, the company managing Catania Airport, has repeatedly stated that these interventions are essential to secure the airport’s centrality in the Italian air transport landscape. The goal is to position the Etna hub on par with the most advanced airports, in terms of both service quality and operational/logistical capacity.
Thanks to targeted investments and funding from the NRRP as well as European and regional sources, the airport will be able to compete with larger hubs such as Rome Fiumicino, offering a viable alternative in Southern Italy even for international traffic.
News on Catania Airport
In such a delicate moment, timely and accurate access to news about Catania Airport is crucial for passengers and airlines. On the airport's official website and via social media channels, constant updates are published on flight statuses, delays or cancellations due to construction works, and weather conditions linked to Etna's volcanic activity.
Our portal, fastparkingcatania.com, joins this effort by offering passengers updated information, bookable online parking services, and on-site assistance.
The Value of the Project for National and International Connectivity
The airport expansion and modernization project does not concern Sicily alone. This type of intervention also impacts the national and international landscape by ensuring better connectivity between Southern Italy and major European capitals and foreign routes. Moreover, a more modern and efficient airport stimulates tourism, commerce, and the regional economic system.
What Changes for Passengers
During the construction period, it is essential for passengers to plan ahead. Those departing from Catania must consider the closure from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. and constantly monitor airline directives. We also recommend arriving at the airport well in advance, as construction activities may affect access to boarding areas.
At fastparkingcatania.com, we are committed to making our customers’ experience as smooth as possible: our parking facilities are open 24/7 with free shuttle service to the terminals, even during the works.
Conclusion
The Catania Airport closure, though temporary and partial, is part of a long-term plan that will bring significant benefits to Sicily and the rest of the country.
The airport will soon be equipped with a new runway, thanks to the railway burial project, and will complete important infrastructure upgrades.
As stated by Nico Torrisi, CEO of SAC, the goal is to raise the quality of services and strengthen the airport’s central role in the Italian transport system.
Thanks to strategic vision and the effective use of European funds, the construction of the new runway and the airport’s modernization represent a historic turning point for the Etna hub.
We invite all travelers to visit our website, fastparkingcatania.com, for real-time updates, parking reservations, and useful tips to navigate this transition phase at Catania Airport.