Etna eruption sends ash over Sicily, disrupts flights from Malta

Mount Etna spewed lava and released a large cloud of volcanic ash over eastern Sicily as it entered a new paroxysmal eruptive phase on Saturday.

The latest volcanic activity began intensifying on the evening of 6 August and developed into powerful lava fountains overnight.

By Saturday, the volcano had entered a paroxysmal phase, a short period of particularly intense eruptive activity involving lava fountains, explosions, and heavy ash emissions.

The ash cloud was carried southeast, with ashfall reported in the Sicilian towns of Ragalna and Adrano.

The volcanic ash led authorities to raise the aviation alert to red and disrupted operations at Catania Bellini Airport.

Incoming flights were suspended on Saturday morning, with the airport initially saying arrivals would remain halted until noon because of the significant quantity of ash in the air.

At least two flights from Malta to Catania were affected by the disruption.

A 6:45am KM Malta Airlines flight was cancelled, while a 7:50am Ryanair flight was diverted to Palermo.

Passengers were advised to check the status of their flights with their airline before travelling to the airport.

Departing flights continued operating normally.