Heavy rainfall has caused significant flooding at the airport in Palma, the capital of Mallorca, making air traffic impossible.
The storm has brought all operations at Son Sant Joan airport, Spain’s third largest, to a standstill because “safe operations are impossible,” operator Aena said in a statement.
The airport has activated its emergency plan and temporarily diverted flights to Mallorca to alternative airports, said Transport Minister Oscar Puente.
Flooding of Palma de Mallorca airport. Balearic Islands.
–11 June 2024–Heavy rainfall led to partial flooding of the Palma de Mallorca airport building and its surroundings.
Some airport halls and surrounding streets were flooded, causing flight delays and travel difficulties. pic.twitter.com/lAaMWRD2Bd
— Weather Monitor (@Weathermonitors) June 11, 2024
Mr Puente later stated on social media platform X that the airport would resume operations after the rains subsided.
National weather agency AEMET said its airport station recorded rainfall of nearly 5 cm per hour, with peaks of up to 9 cm in less than an hour.
Videos posted on X appeared to show water pouring from the ceiling of the airport’s shopping area and travelers in summer clothes soaked by water seeping through windows and seeping from buckets placed below.
Others showed cars trying to navigate a flooded parking lot.
Numerous Easyjet, BA and Ryanair flights within the UK have been cancelled or disrupted.
London Southend Airport wrote: “Due to adverse weather conditions in Palma de Mallorca, today’s @easyJet flight (scheduled for 8.35pm) to the Spanish city has been cancelled.”
Passenger traffic at Palma de Mallorca Airport reached 31.1 million last year – an absolute record.
The Mediterranean island, known for its picturesque beaches and sunny weather, is one of Europe’s most visited destinations and is particularly popular with German and British tourists.
