Whoopi Goldberg returned to The View on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, after a dramatic travel ordeal caused by the eruption of Mount Etna in Sicily.
Why it matters: Goldberg's absence on July 6 was due to airport closures linked to the volcanic activity, highlighting the impact of natural disasters on travel.
Goldberg was already onboard her flight when Mt. Etna erupted, causing chaos in the region.
She humorously noted that her absence provided an "unbeatable excuse" for missing the show.
Other co-hosts were also absent, with Ana Navarro stuck in Miami due to weather delays.
Driving the news: The eruption of Mt. Etna disrupted travel plans for many, including Goldberg, who had spent the Fourth of July vacation in Sicily.
Goldberg shared a video message explaining that she was stranded as all airports in the area were closed.
She quipped, "A volcano ate my homework!" emphasizing the absurdity of her situation.
Joy Behar stepped in as moderator, supported by Sunny Hostin, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and guest co-host Michelle Buteau.
The big picture: The eruption of Mt. Etna, one of Italy's most active volcanoes, can have widespread implications for air travel and safety.
Goldberg described the moment of the eruption during her flight, where the pilot announced, "If you look out the right [side], you’ll see that Mt. Etna just erupted."
She explained the challenges of flying through volcanic ash, stating, "You cannot fly through that stuff… it can really mess up the plane."
Goldberg expressed concern for other travelers affected by the eruption, noting many remained stranded due to the airport closures.
What they're saying: Goldberg's humorous take on her predicament resonated with viewers and fans alike.
"I’m very ashy, very ashy," she joked upon returning to the show, lightening the mood after her unexpected absence.
She added, "In actuality, they would not have been able to go… it’s what’s happening up in the atmosphere."
Behar chimed in with her own experiences near Mt. Etna, adding to the light-hearted banter on the show.
By the numbers: The eruption led to a 48-hour closure of local airports, affecting numerous travelers.
Goldberg and others managed to leave during a narrow 17-minute window on July 7, after the eruption.
The window for departure was strictly timed, with no flights allowed outside the specified period.
Goldberg mentioned, "We grabbed a couple of other people and said, ‘We’re going to try to get a plane.’"
What's next: The aftermath of the eruption may continue to affect travel in and out of Sicily.
Goldberg expressed her regrets for missing promotional appearances for her new show, The Whoopi Monologues.
She assured viewers she would return to the States as soon as possible, pending airport reopenings.
The situation serves as a reminder of how quickly travel plans can change due to natural events.