Jerusalem Post/World NewsEtna, which towers over Sicily's east coast, is one of the world's most active volcanoes and frequently disrupts air traffic at Catania, the island's main airport and Italy's fifth busiest.Follow us on GoogleA plum of ashes rises from a crater of the Mount Etna volcano during an eruption on July 30, 2026.(photo credit: Giuseppe Distefano / Etna Walk / AFP via Getty Images)ByREUTERSAUGUST 10, 2026 10:46Flights arriving at Catania airport in eastern Sicily were suspended until 1500 GMT on Monday after volcanic ash from a fresh eruption of Mount Etna drifted into airspace around the airport, operator SAC said.Etna, which towers over Sicily's east coast, is one of the world's most active volcanoes and frequently disrupts air traffic at Catania, the island's main airport and Italy's fifth busiest by passenger traffic."As the situation is significantly affecting operations, passengers are kindly advised to check the status of their flight with their airline before heading to the airport," SAC said in a statement on Monday.The situation is being constantly monitored, and further updates will be provided depending on the evolution of volcanic activity and weather conditions, it added.Molten lava and volcanic fragments are thrown into the air during an eruption of Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, July 30, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/ Marco Restivo)Latest eruptive phase continuing from vents at 2,750 meter altitudes The latest eruptive phase on Europe's highest volcano was continuing from vents at altitudes of 2,750 meters (9,022 ft) and 2,360 meters, feeding several lava flows and creating extensive lava fields, Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) said.INGV's Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) remained at the highest alert level, red, indicating ongoing hazards for aircraft from ash emissions.Follow us on Google