Mount Etna erupts, spewing ash and lava; Catania Airport closed

Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano located in Sicily, has entered a new paroxysmal phase, exhibiting intense activity with ash and lava emissions. This eruption has led to the temporary closure of Catania Airport, a major gateway for tourists visiting the island.

The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) in Catania reported that the volcano is currently spewing ash and incandescent rock fragments with varying intensity. During a particularly vigorous eruptive phase on Sunday afternoon, multiple explosions were observed near the summit crater, Voragine. A significant amount of ash is being carried by winds in a southeast direction.

In response to the volcanic activity, the highest alert level for air traffic has been implemented. The operating company of Catania Airport announced the suspension of all arrivals until Monday at 5 p.m. due to the ash cloud, causing considerable problems for travelers. Catania Airport is the largest on Sicily. Seismic activity around the volcano remains high, with active eruption vents at approximately 2,750 and 2,360 meters altitude feeding multiple lava streams that are creating extensive lava fields in the Valle del Bove and Valle del Leone.