Mount Etna volcano ash cloud halts arrivals at Sicily's Catania airport

Volcanic ash from a fresh eruption of Mount Etna forced the suspension of arriving flights at Catania airport in eastern Sicily until 1500 GMT on Monday, operator SAC said. Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes, frequently disrupts air traffic at the island's main airport. The latest eruptive phase continued from vents at 2,750 and 2,360 meters, feeding lava flows, according to Italy's INGV. The aviation alert remained at the highest level, red.

Volcanic ash from a fresh eruption of Mount Etna forced the suspension of arriving flights at Catania airport in eastern Sicily until 1500 GMT on Monday, according to airport operator SAC. The ash cloud drifted into airspace around the airport, significantly affecting operations. SAC advised passengers to check flight status with their airlines before heading to the airport and said the situation was being constantly monitored. Etna, which towers over Sicily's east coast, is one of the world's most active volcanoes and frequently disrupts air traffic at Catania, the island's main airport and Italy's fifth busiest by passenger traffic. The latest eruptive phase on Europe's highest volcano was continuing from vents at altitudes of 2,750 meters (9,022 ft) and 2,360 meters, feeding several lava flows and creating extensive lava fields, according to Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV). INGV's Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) remained at the highest alert level, red, indicating ongoing hazards for aircraft from ash emissions.