Flights arriving at Italy's fifth busiest airport have been suspended after volcanic ash from a fresh eruption of Mount Etna drifted into airspace.

Sicily’s main airport at Cataniahas suspended all flights arriving and departing until 5pm on Monday, August 10.

Mount Etna, which towers over Sicily's east coast, is one of the world's most active volcanoes and frequently disrupts air traffic at Catania.

"As the situation is significantly affecting operations, passengers are kindly advised to check the status of their flight with their airline before heading to the airport", operator SAC said on Monday.

“The situation is being constantly monitored, and further updates will be provided depending on the evolution of volcanic activity and weather conditions.”

The latest eruptive phase on Europe's highest volcano was continuing from vents at altitudes of 2,750 metres (9,022 ft) and 2,360 metres, feeding several lava flows and creating extensive lava fields, Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) said.

INGV's Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) remained at the highest alert level, red, indicating ongoing hazards for aircraft from ash emissions.

Catania serves some of Europe’s largest airlines, many of which have seen diversions or cancellations amid the volcanic activity from nearby Etna, located only 29 miles away by road.

Flights from operators including Ryanair, Easyjet, ITA, and Wizz Air were either diverted or cancelled on Monday morning.

In July, all flights to and from the airport were cancelled following a similar eruption.

Palermo airport, the island's other major hub located on the northwest coast, was unaffected.