ROME, Aug 11 (Bernama-dpa) -- Thousands of holidaymakers were stranded on the Italian island of Sicily on Tuesday, as Mount Etna continued to spew clouds of ash following an eruption last week, reported German Press Agency (dpa).
Fewer planes were able to take off and land at the island's largest airport in Catania, due south of Mount Etna. Just one plane was able to take off on a domestic flight early on Tuesday, while all landings were suspended until the evening.
Europe's most active volcano has been spewing large amounts of ash and hot rocks since Friday. According to the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), thick lava flows are emerging from two vents at heights of 2,360 and 2,750 metres.
During the night, a new vent opened at a height of around 1,900 metres.
Standing at more than 3,300 metres above sea level, Mount Etna is closely monitored because of its frequent eruptions.
Air traffic has now been disrupted for the fifth day during the peak season, with aviation authorities making decisions on flight movements at short notice. Catania Airport is currently under the highest red warning level.
Passengers are attempting to switch to the airport in Palermo. An estimated 30,000 people are currently affected. Many tourists in Sicily have had to extend their stays, with accommodation on the island fully booked. Some are sleeping at the airport.
Italian actor Filippo Laganà posted on Instagram that a shuttle bus from Catania to Palermo was charging €700 (US$807) for a trip of around 200 kilometres. Trains to the capital, from where international flights are easier to catch, are overcrowded.
The engines of numerous planes parked on the tarmac in Catania have to be protected, while the runways are repeatedly cleared. More than 12 million passengers pass through Catania Airport every year.
-- BERNAMA-dpa