Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano started erupting on Wednesday night, spewing volcanic ash in to the sky.

The volcano, which is situated on the Italian Island of Sicily is one of the most active in Europe, regularly erupts blasting lava and ash into the atmosphere. Eruptions can last for several days and can force the closure of nearby Catania airport. Fortunately no flights have been affected yet by this latest eruption.

For the latest information on air travel within Europe follow @eurocontrol on twitter

At the moment it looks like we can be hopeful that flights won’t be affected by the volcanic ash from Etna’s eruption.

Last year flights were delayed due to volcanic ash in South America and Australia, add this to the constant fear of another Icelandic volcanic ash cloud and it pays to be aware of your rights if your flight is affected by volcanic ash and what travel insurance cover is available.

Travellers who are concerned about the risk of their holiday being affected by a volcanic ash cloud should consider adding Natural Catastrophe Cover to their travel insurance.

Although under EU and UK regulations, your airline has a legal obligation to reschedule or refund your flight and provide meals and accommodation if necessary, having Natural Catastrophe Cover as part of your travel insurance gives you more freedom.

It can allow you to claim for the cost of alternative travel arrangements if your flight is delayed for more than 24 hours and no reasonable alternative is provided to you.

Natural Catastrophe cover (volcanic ash) from goodtogoinsurance.com is designed to enhance your policy by providing cover for cancellation, delay and additional expenses incurred due to unexpected events such as volcanic ash cloud and other natural disasters including; earthquakes, tsunamis and hurricanes.

If a travel insurance policy with natural catastrophe cover is bought before a volcano erupts, you will be able to make a claim for cancellation, delay and additional expenses incurred, as a result of the eruption.