Mount Etna Eruption Grounds Flights, Strands Hundreds in Sicily

A significant eruption of Mount Etna has disrupted travel across eastern Sicily, forcing the closure of Catania's airport and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. The airport is expected to remain shut until at least 4 pm local time on Thursday, according to its official website.

Authorities have also closed the airport in Comiso, located in the southern Ragusa province, due to the accumulation of falling volcanic ash. The closures come at a peak time for tourism, with many travelers left waiting at terminals and bus stations in Catania.

While the eruption has caused widespread disruption, it has also drawn crowds of onlookers. Tourists who ventured onto the volcano on Tuesday evening were treated to a spectacular display of lava fountains and flowing rivers of molten rock, with some vegetation catching fire as the lava advanced downhill.

Mount Etna, standing at 3,350 meters (almost 10,990 feet) tall and spanning 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) wide, is Europe's most active and largest volcano. It remains a major draw for hikers and backpackers, while others prefer to view its power from a distance, often from the Ionian Sea.