Etna Eruption Grounds Incoming Flights at Sicily's Catania Airport

Catania airport in eastern Sicily has suspended all arriving flights until 1500 GMT on Monday after a fresh eruption of Mount Etna sent ash drifting into the surrounding airspace. The operator, SAC, announced the measure as volcanic activity continued to affect operations at the airport, which serves as the island's main gateway and ranks as Italy's fifth busiest by passenger traffic.

SAC advised passengers to check with their airlines before heading to the airport, noting that the situation is being closely monitored. Further updates will depend on the evolution of the eruption and weather conditions.

Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes, frequently disrupts air travel in the region. The latest eruptive phase is feeding several lava flows from vents at altitudes of 2,750 and 2,360 metres, creating extensive lava fields, according to Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).

The institute has maintained its highest aviation alert level, red, indicating ongoing hazards for aircraft from ash emissions.