(Lebanon, NH – June 3, 2025) – Global Rescue operations experts are closely monitoring developments in Sicily following renewed volcanic activity from Mount Etna, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes. The eruption has triggered travel disruptions and raised safety concerns for residents and travelers in the region.

“Global Rescue’s security, medical and intelligence operations teams are monitoring the eruption closely. Our experts are prepared to respond with emergency medical support and field rescues if the situation escalates,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of travel risk, evacuation and medical rescue services.

Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported intensified volcanic activity at Mount Etna’s southeastern crater, producing lava flows, ash plumes, and seismic tremors. The eruption has resulted in temporary closures at Catania Airport, grounding flights and stranding travelers. Authorities have issued warnings about potential further disruptions as Etna’s activity remains unpredictable.

Authorities are urging travelers to stay informed and flexible. “Eruptions like this one can change rapidly,” said Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and manager of security operations at Global Rescue. “Airports may close, and roads can become impassable due to ash fall. Travelers should be prepared to change plans quickly and use alternate routes—by land, sea or air—if needed.”

Ash clouds pose serious threats to aviation safety. Volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines and systems, leading to the grounding of flights across affected airspace. “This situation is a reminder of how quickly a natural event can interrupt even the best-planned trips,” Bush said.

Richards emphasized that the post-pandemic traveler is more aware of the need for contingency planning. “Today’s travelers understand that emergencies are not hypothetical. Whether it’s a volcanic eruption, civil unrest, or a medical emergency, the ability to get help fast can be life-saving. Emergency evacuation protection is no longer optional—it’s essential,” he said.

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For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 (202) 560-1195 (call/text).

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation, and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments, and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue has supported clients through every major global crisis in the past two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.