Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, that has been largely dormant for the last two years, sprung to life spewing out bright orange lava on Monday night. The volcano is still continuing to erupt with fountains of lava creating a spectacular show. According to reports, Mount Etna is expected to keep sending ash and smoke into the air for some more days.
Although, volcanic ash clouds can cause flight disruptions, but, Catania airport, situated within 50 km (31 miles) of the volcano, is continuing to operate. However, the authorities were tracking the movements of the ash cloud.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists flocked to Sicily to see Etna's craters. But, the authorities have banned the tourists from walking up to the summit of the volcano while a yellow volcano warning remains in place.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) did not put any ban against travel to Sicily but urged the tourists to remain vigilant. "Mount Etna has been erupting with increasing frequency sending plumes of ash into the air," the FCO said.
"Monitor local media and contact your airline if you are concerned about possible disruption to flights," FCO added.
Etna, at 3,330 meters (10,926 feet), is the highest volcano in mainland Europe and can burst into action several times a year. The first recorded observation of Etna's eruptions dates way back to 425 BC, while the last major eruption was recorded in 1992.