Etna spews lava and ash six kilometres high, new vent opens, Catania airport closed

Sicily's Mount Etna produced lava fountains from the Voragine crater on the night of August 6–7, strongest between 1 and 4 a.m. local time, The Watchers reports. The ash column reached six kilometres, according to the Toulouse volcanic ash advisory centre.

A new vent opened at about 2,750 metres in the Valle del Bove, sending out lava. Arrivals at Catania airport were suspended, and the airspace reopened at 11:45.

Europe's most active volcano

Etna, more than 3,300 metres high, is Europe's most active volcano and produces lava fountains several times a year. New flank vents are watched closely because they can threaten towns on the lower slopes.