Mount Etna volcanic eruption: Is it still safe to travel to Sicily and are flights cancelled?

Mount Etna, the tallest and most active volcano in Europe, is currently erupting, leaving travellers bound for the Italian island of Sicily worried.

The latest eruption began on 11 February, sending a plume of ash and lava into the air visible from miles around.

The eruption is from the volcano's south-east crater, called Bocca Nuova, meaning 'new mouth'.

A 3-km river of lava is flowing out of the crater, which is at 3,000m altitude.

During previous eruptions, nearby towns have been covered in black volcanic ash however this eruption has caused minimal disruption.

There has been disruption to flights arriving into Catania airport which is at the foot of Mount Etna - read on for all the details.

Catania airport: Is the airport closest to Mount Etna closed?

Catania airport stands at the foot of Mount Etna, giving departing and arriving passengers a spectacular view of the volcano.

Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, also known as Vincenzo Bellini Airport, on the island's east coast, is Sicily's most popular airport with international tourists.

Since 12 February, parts of Catania airport have been closed every few days due to reduced visibility from the ash. These closures usually last anywhere from half a day to a full day.

Today (17 February) there are restrictions on arriving flights until 6.30pm local time. Departures are not affected.

What is the advice to passengers at Catania airport?

The airport's management has advised passengers to check their flight status with their airline before leaving home, as the situation could change at the last minute depending on volcanic activity.

Check airlines' apps or websites for the most up to date information, as well as their social media channels.

Also keep an eye on the email account with which you made the booking as your airline or booking platform may contact you to advise you of changes.

Check Catania airport departures and arrivals here.

Mount Etna: Will passengers be able to claim compensation?

In case Catania airport flights are disrupted again, airlines are required to offer you another flight or a refund is a flight is cancelled or delayed by more than three hours.

However, this is only when they could have prevented the disruption. In the case of a volcanic eruption, it is not their fault.

But in most cases airlines will still endeavour to get passengers to their final destination.

It's always wise to have travel insurance as you may be able to claim back for unexpected expenses.

Is it safe to travel to Sicily when Mount Etna is erupting?

Yes, it is still safe to travel to Sicily, even when Mount Etna is erupting.

Local authorities and residents are used to dealing with Mount Etna eruptions. For the last five years, it has been erupting multiple times a year. Despite this, tourism to Sicily has been on the rise.

Where is Mount Etna and are you allowed to hike on it?

Mount Etna is on the east coast of the Italian island of Sicily.

It is Europe's most active volcano

Although Mt Etna erupts frequently, lava has not reached nearby towns since the 1800s.

Etna has more than 200 craters and when one of these does erupt, black volcanic ash lands in the city of Catania, as its foot, and the many surrounding towns and villages. This is inconvenient for residents but usually not a problem for visitors.

The Mayor of Adrano, one of the communities closest to the latest eruption, has issued an ordinance banning anyone from getting close to the lava flow. Until 15 February, it was still allowed to hike close to the crater.

Even during an eruption, there are many hiking trails and paths that are still safe, though it is a legal requirement to go up with a qualified mountain guide.