Etna “woke up”. Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, began spewing ash and smoke on Sunday, forcing Sicilian authorities to close Catania airport.

“Due to the activity of Etna and the large amount of volcanic ash that fell on the airport, flights are suspended until conditions allow again,” the airport management said.

Footage broadcast by Italian media shows cars in Catania covered in a layer of gray dust.

In the area muffled clicks are heard from Sunday morning, according to the newspaper Repubblica.

Mount Etna, which reaches 3,324 meters in height, is the most active volcano in Europe. It has been activated and erupted many times over the past 500,000 years.

Last year, around 10 million passengers passed through Catania International Airport which serves the eastern part of Sicily, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy.