Italy's Mount Etna, the tallest volcano in Europe, erupted on Sunday for the fourth time this year.

A massive plume was reportedly seen rising as high as seven kilometres from Mount Etna off the Italian island of Sicily.

The volcano erupts often but has not caused any damage. Nearby airports remained open and continued operations during the eruption although authorities shut down two nearby flight paths, reported the Telegraph.

Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, which started erupting several million years ago.

Check out stunning images of Mount Etna:

Mount Etna
Smoke rises from Mount Etna as it spews lava on the southern Italian island of Sicily on 18 March REUTERS/Antonio Parrinello
Mount Etna
People look at Mount Etna as it spews lava on the southern Italian island of Sicily REUTERS/Antonio Parrinello
Mount Etnas March 18, 2012 Eruption
People take pictures of Mount Etna as it spews lava on the southern Italian island of Sicily March 18, 2012. REUTERS
Mount Etna
Mount Etna spews lava on the southern Italian island of Sicily. REUTERS/Antonio Parrinello
Mount Etna
Mount Etna spews lava on the southern Italian island of Sicily REUTERS/Antonio Parrinello