Last updated: December 17, 2013

Weather: Sydney 18°C - 26°C . Mostly sunny.

LATEST IN TRAVEL

Tourists found dead in hotel room

Tourists found dead in hotel room

TWO tourists found dead in their hotel room in Nepal last week died of gas poisoning caused by a malfunctioning heater, a forensic expert says.

How airline convinced 42 people to change names

How airline convinced 42 people to change names

WHEN an airline challenged passengers to legally change their names in order to win a bizarre competition, it couldn't have predicted just how many would go the extra mile ...

Volcanic eruption shuts Italy airport

Italy Etna Volcano

AN ash cloud from Mount Etna's latest spectacular eruption has forced the closure of Catania's airport in eastern Sicily.

Empty VIP flights cost $1.1 million

Empty VIP flights cost $1.1 million

TAXPAYERS paid over $1.1 million in six months for near-empty planes to pick up politicians and dignitaries or to return from dropping them off.

Travel Updates

Mount Etna's volcanic ash cloud forces flights shutdown

Italy Etna Volcano

Etna is Europe's most active volcano and its latest series of eruptions has lasted for several weeks now. Picture: AP Source: AP

AN ash cloud from Mount Etna's latest spectacular eruption has forced the closure of Catania's airport in eastern Sicily.

The airport said it would remain closed at least until Monday evening.

Several flight departures and arrivals were canceled, and at least two flights were diverted to Palermo's airport in the western part of the Mediterranean island.

Etna is Europe's most active volcano.

Italy Etna Volcano

The eruption forced the closure of Catania's airport in eastern Sicily. Picture: AP

Its latest series of eruptions has lasted for weeks now, occasionally causing a change in flight routes.

The eruption hasn't forced evacuation of the villages on the mountain's slopes.

Its last major eruption occurred in 1992.
 

ITALY-VOLCANO-ETNA

Lava flows from Mount Etna on the southern Italian island of Sicily near Catania early on December 16. Picture: AFP