Flights at Catania Airport have been suspended until 4pm as Mount Etna sends a 4km-high ash cloud into the sky, with a red aviation alert in force.
Airspace closed and zero landings
The airport's Operational Coordination Unit has closed part of the airspace and ordered zero landings and take-offs, while a red VONA aviation alert — the highest level on a four-point scale — is in effect.
The volcanic ash is being carried southwards from the north-east crater, disrupting flight operations.
Ten flights diverted
Ten flights had already been diverted amid the disruption caused by the volcanic activity and a violent overnight storm, with five sent to Palermo, three to Trapani and two to Comiso.
