Mt Etna eruption disrupts tourist flights to Sicily
Eruption of Mt Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, results in delays and disruptions for tourists trying to reach Sicily
By Nick Squires, Rome
Flights into and out of the Italian city of Catania have been disrupted by the eruption of Mt Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.
Catania airport remained open but two air space corridors were temporarily closed on Monday, resulting in delays and disruptions for tourists trying to reach Sicily.
The volcano, which looms over Catania, put on an impressive pyrotechnics display, belching molten lava and sending plumes of ash into the sky.
Most of the activity came from a crater on the south-east side of the mountain.
This latest eruption began on Sunday and was the first major activity this year.
Dominating the landscape in eastern Sicily between Catania and the popular tourist town of Taormina, Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
The fertile volcanic soils on its flanks support extensive agriculture, including vineyards and orchards.