The tallest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna, has erupted, spewing lava all around from one of its largest craters. As a result, Italy’s Civil Protection Agency has raised a yellow alert in the area and the airspace above the volcano has been closed off for the time being.
Volcano Eruption Halts Flights
Due to Mount Etna's eruption, the Crisis Unit of the area has ordered the airspace around the volcano, Airspace Sector B2, to be closed. Additionally, movements at Catania Airport have been limited to 5 arrivals per hour, and departures, too, are being handled with caution.
According to news reports, the lava ash cloud is estimated to have a height of 4.5 kilometres, which has caused flights to be delayed or cancelled. It has also been noted that the eruption of the volcano may cause seismic activity, ashfall, and landslides, which can further affect the smooth operation in the area.
Mount Etna
Mount Etna is an active stratovolcano on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, and in June 2013, it was added to UNESCO World Heritage Sites.