Mount Etna in Italy, Europe's tallest volcano, has erupted once again.

Huge volumes of lava, flames and hot ash billowed over Sicily, the country's southern island, illuminating the midnight sky.

Flames burst into hundreds of metres into the air even as authorities were forced to shut the airport in the nearby town of Catana. Many flights were cancelled.

Flight disruptions might continue for a while as the volcanic activity is expected to remain for a few days.

Have look at stunning images of the eruption here:

Mount Etna
Mount Etna spews lava on the southern Italian island of Sicily February 9, 2012. Mount Etna is Europe's tallest and most active volcano. Reuters
Mount Etna
Mount Etna spews lava on the southern Italian island of Sicily February 9, 2012. Mount Etna is Europe's tallest and most active volcano. Reuters
Mount Etna
Mount Etna is one of 34 sites up for consideration next week by Unesco's World Heritage Committee for inclusion on its World Heritage List. Reuters
Mount Etna
Mount Etna spews lava on the southern Italian island of Sicily February 9, 2012. Mount Etna is Europe's tallest and most active volcano. Reuters
Mount Etna
Mount Etna spews lava on the southern Italian island of Sicily February 9, 2012. Mount Etna is Europe's tallest and most active volcano. Reuters
Mount Etna
Mount Etna spews lava on the southern Italian island of Sicily February 9, 2012. Mount Etna is Europe's tallest and most active volcano. Reuters
Mount Etna
Mount Etna spews lava on the southern Italian island of Sicily February 9, 2012. Mount Etna is Europe's tallest and most active volcano. Reuters