Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world and the highest in Europe, erupted again on Saturday, spewing a large cloud of smoke and ash over Sicily.
The volcanic activity forced authorities to temporarily close part of the airspace over the island. Catania Airport announced the suspension of all incoming flights until 12:00 local time due to volcanic ash in the atmosphere.
Departure flights continued normally for aircraft already at the airport.
According to the airport announcement, the air sector corresponding to the volcanic ash cloud was closed. Catania airport is the main air gateway for eastern Sicily, one of the most frequented tourist areas in Italy, so any eruption of Etna immediately creates problems for air traffic.
Images from the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology showed a thick column of smoke rising from the summit of the volcano. Etna, which stands at around 3,324 metres (10,700 feet), has erupted frequently throughout history and remains one of the most monitored volcanoes in Europe.
Volcanic ash also affected several flights from Malta to Sicily, while arrival restrictions remained in place until noon.
Despite the natural spectacle, the main danger in this case was related to air transport. Volcanic ash particles can be problematic for aircraft engines, so airports near Etna often restrict or suspend flights when the ash cloud approaches air corridors.
