A spectacular eruption of the Mount Etna volcano in Sicily in southern Italy died down on Tuesday, allowing the nearby airport of Catania to re-open after a two-day stoppage that disrupted dozens of flights.

The 3,350-metre (10,990-foot) high volcano began erupting on Saturday -- the most intense activity seen in months -- with its lava flow lighting up the night sky and clouds of ash billowing out of its summit.

Catania airport and the smaller airport of Comiso were shut on Sunday because of fears the ash could put flights at risk and around 150 flights in and out of Catania were affected, airport officials said.

Comiso airport had already resumed service on Monday.