Mount Etna Erupts, Flights Suspended at Catania Airport

Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, continued to release volcanic ash on 14 September, according to an update issued at 19:30 local time.

Drone footage captured the ongoing activity, offering an aerial view of the volcano's emissions of ash and lava fragments.

The plume of ash reportedly reached around 4 kilometers into the sky, prompting concerns over air safety in the surrounding area.

As a precaution, Catania airport suspended all arriving flights until 22:00, in line with standard procedures during periods of significant volcanic activity.

Volcanic ash poses a serious risk to aviation, as fine particles can damage jet engines and reduce visibility for pilots.

Located on the island of Sicily, Mount Etna is known for its frequent eruptions, which occasionally disrupt air travel in the region.

Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the volcano's activity to determine when conditions are safe enough for flight operations to fully resume.

This is not the first instance in which Etna's eruptions have led to flight suspensions at Catania airport, as similar measures have been taken in the past to protect passengers and aircraft.

While no further details on the eruption's intensity or duration have been released, airport officials are likely to issue additional updates as the situation develops.

Travelers with flights to or from Catania have been urged to check the latest information before heading to the airport, as further delays cannot be ruled out.