On Tuesday, Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, spewed massive amounts of glowing lava. The Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) said a thick cloud of lava, combustible gases and rocks had formed on the mountain, which is more than 3,300 meters high. Repeated explosions were visible and audible. Catania International Airport had to suspend air traffic.
Due to the explosion and associated ash clouds, no aircraft can currently take off or land, the airport operator announced on online service X. Passengers are asked to contact their airline for information. At Vienna Airport on Tuesday, two afternoon flights from Catania by Ryanair and Austria were listed as cancelled. An Austrian flight scheduled to leave Schwechat for the Sicilian port city at noon also had to be cancelled.
Etna spews ash and smoke
The INVG reported a plume of smoke six kilometers high over Mount Etna. Ash fell on several towns around Mount Etna, such as Milo and Zafarana Etnea. However, there were no initial reports of extensive damage.
Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe. The mountain is about 3,350 meters high. However, due to explosions and cinder cones, the exact height changes repeatedly.
Etna eruption forces airport to close
Most recently, the eruption of Mount Etna forced the suspension of operations at Catania Airport on July 5. Millions of people come to the airport every year who want to vacation in the eastern part of Sicily. The Mediterranean island is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations.
