Flights at Sicily's Catania-Fontanarossa airport were suspended again on Wednesday as Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano, continues to spew lava and volcanic ash. Authorities extended airspace restrictions, bringing air traffic in Sicily to a standstill.
These disruptions have occurred during the peak summer holiday and tourism season, causing significant travel interruptions for those visiting the region.
The effects of the eruption have extended beyond Sicily. An ash cloud drifted over Malta on Tuesday, forcing airlines to cancel some flights to the island, with volcanic ash reaching as far away as Libya.