Mount Etna erupted on Sunday night, producing lava flows and releasing significant volcanic ash that led to the temporary closure of nearby airspace and suspension of flights at Catania airport in Sicily. The Italian volcano, one of the most active in the world, sent plumes of smoke and ash into the atmosphere, prompting officials to restrict air traffic for safety reasons.

A spokesperson for Catania airport confirmed that the airspace affected by the volcanic ash cloud was closed to arrivals, citing concerns over the potential hazard to aircraft. The ash advisory and flight restrictions are part of ongoing safety measures that have been in place since July due to increased eruptive activity from Etna.

The National Institute for Geophysics and Volcanology, which monitors the volcano closely, posted real-time images showing a substantial plume of ash and smoke rising from Etna’s summit. The lava flows illuminated the night sky, highlighting the intensity of this new phase of eruption.

Standing nearly 11,000 feet (around 3,350 meters) tall, Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe and has a long history of frequent eruptions spanning hundreds of thousands of years. The recent events are part of a pattern of heightened volcanic activity observed in recent months, necessitating continued vigilance by local authorities to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions.