Mount Etna, located in Sicily, is currently experiencing a volcanic eruption, emitting clouds of ash high into the sky. The eruption has caused Catania Airport, a popular destination for many British holidaymakers, to cancel flights due to safety concerns. Footage circulating on social media captures the active volcano on the eastern coast of the Italian island, with reports of ash starting to rise from the volcano early in the morning and intensifying shortly after.
Local reports in Sicily have confirmed that ash emissions began from the stratovolcano just before 8am on Sunday, July 5, increasing in intensity around an hour later. According to La Sicilia, ash was observed rising from the vent on the upper eastern flank of the Voragine crater, reaching a height of approximately 1.5 kilometers above the summit of the volcano. As a precautionary measure, inbound flights to Catania-Fontanarossa airport have been halted, as models from Ingv suggest that the ash cloud will move towards the southern and south-southeast sectors in the hours to come.
Videos of the eruption show locals and tourists enjoying the beach while the volcano spews thick smoke into the clear blue sky. In response to the volcanic activity, Catania Airport has suspended operations, closing sector B2 and reducing flight frequency to five per hour until 9pm local time.