Catania Airport has suspended operations until 11.59pm tonight (September 28) after Mount Etna erupted a 4-kilometre ash cloud, grounding flights for a third consecutive day.
The huge cloud was recorded in the airspace over Sicily from Mount Etna's north-east crater. It was then seen moving towards Catania, prompting the closure of two airspace sectors.
Red flight warning in force
Following the latest eruption from Etna, a red flight warning is in force - the highest level of alert on a scale of four. Passengers flying to and from Catania Airport have been urged to check the status of their flight before travelling to the airport, The Express reports.
Several flights have since been cancelled for tourists, including flights to and from UK destinations.
Why volcanic ash is dangerous to aircraft
Volcanic ash can pose a serious danger to aircraft, which is why eruptions can lead to widespread flight cancellations even when airports themselves are not directly threatened by lava.
The tiny, abrasive particles can be sucked into jet engines, where they can damage components and potentially cause engines to lose power.
Ash can also affect aircraft instruments, reduce visibility and make runways more slippery, particularly when the ash is wet.
FAA warning on ash clouds
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warns that flying into a volcanic ash cloud can be "exceedingly dangerous" and says avoiding encounters with ash is the most important precaution.
Volcanic ash clouds can also be difficult for pilots to spot and are not normally detected by airborne or air traffic control radar.
