While the Campi Flegrei volcano hasn’t erupted since 1538, experts have warned that it could be building up to another devastating eruption. By studying patterns of unrest over the last 500 years, the researchers have predicted that we are reaching a ‘critical stage’ where further unrest will lead to an eruption. They hope their findings will urge local authorities to prepare for an eruption, which they say would affect the 360,000 people living across the caldera and Naples’ population of nearly one million.

If the volcano was to erupt, it could cause havoc for those trying to fly in the area.  Dr Christopher Kilburn, who led the study, told MailOnline: ‘An eruption might disrupt air traffic, if only for precautionary measures and the immediate effect would be in Campi Flegrei and Naples.’  Experts from UCL and the Vesuvius Observatory in Naples have been studying the patterns of unrest since Campi Flegrei’s last eruption 500 years ago. READ MORE