Mount Etna in Sicily has erupted, sending a ten-kilometre high lava fountain and ash into the air.

Traffic to and from the island's Catania International Airport has been severely reduced. The airport is located at the foot of the volcano, according to Sky News.

Several flights have been cancelled, some have been postponed, and others have been rerouted to destinations including Palermo and Comiso due to the reduced visibility.

"It's absurd, enough is enough. We can't take any more, ash is also falling on me," says an impatient tourist in a video, according to La Repubblica.

Towns near the volcano have also been covered in black ash after the eruption began at 02.56 on Sunday morning, Euronews and La Repubblica report.

Etna is Europe's highest volcano, rising 3,369 metres above sea level. It is also the most active.

Source: Aftonbladet.se