Mount Etna, one of Europe's most active volcanoes, has erupted again on the Italian island of Sicily, sending plumes of ash and smoke soaring nearly 4 kilometers into the air.

The eruption has triggered flight restrictions at Catania Airport in Sicily.

The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported on Saturday (September 27) that a red alert has been issued for aviation due to the volcanic ash spewing from Mount Etna.

Consequently, sector C-1 of the airspace has been closed.

According to reports from the Turkish news agency Anadolu, incoming flights to Catania Airport were suspended due to the hazardous conditions.

Prior to the full suspension, authorities had restricted arrivals to a maximum of four flights per hour instead of the usual twelve to manage the situation safely.

Before flights were completely halted, several aircraft had to be rerouted.

ITA Airways diverted at least ten flights to alternative airports—sending five to Palermo, three to Trapani, and two to Comiso.

Additionally, a Volotea Airlines flight was redirected to Comiso Airport.

Relevant authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the volcanic ash poses severe risks to air travel.

Mount Etna, located in eastern Sicily, is among the most active volcanoes in Europe.