Lava flows during an eruption of Mt. Etna volcano, near Catania, Sicily, on Thursday - AP

Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest and most active volcano has erupted, the BBC has reported.

The southern island of Sicily has been witnessing molten lava flowing down the mountain's snow-covered slopes over the past few days.

The nearest Catania Airport has been shut to avoid trouble, officials claimed.

The 3,295m peak has erupted several times last year, though many were short-lived.