Tourists are rushing to Mount Etna to witness spectacular lava flows from the erupting Italian volcano, raising safety concerns among local guides.
Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe, has been spewing ash and lava for several days. The eruption has also disrupted flights at nearby Catania International Airport, a major gateway to Sicily.
Local tour operators offering nighttime excursions to view the eruption say they have received an unusually high number of requests. One guide reported receiving about 300 inquiries per day, compared with roughly 100 on an average summer day.
Local guides say as many as 2,000 people are climbing the volcano each evening, causing overcrowding on some trails. Some visitors have reportedly approached the volcanic area without guides, while others have been criticised for getting too close to glowing lava for photographs.
Guides warn that Mount Etna remains unstable and that visitors who do not understand the terrain could face serious risks. Under current rules, tourists can climb to about 2,400 metres without a guide but must be accompanied by one at higher elevations. The summit stands at 3,324 metres.
Italy's civil protection agency has issued a yellow alert for the volcano. Ash from the eruption has repeatedly disrupted flights, with hundreds reportedly cancelled since Saturday.
Catania airport authorities said flight arrivals and departures would remain suspended until 4:00 p.m. Thursday, as officials continue to monitor the situation.
Despite the risks, the eruption has become a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to see the dramatic lava flows from one of Europe's most active volcanoes.
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