Summer Vacation Nightmare: Majorca Airport Chaos Continues

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Severe weather conditions have caused significant disruptions at Majorca’s Palma Son Sant Joan Airport, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded as over 300 flights were canceled or delayed. Amidst the chaos, airlines and airport officials are working to restore normal operations.

Flight Cancellations and Delays:
Over the past few days, torrential rain and severe flooding across the Balearic Islands have led to the cancellation of 150 flights on Wednesday, 180 on Thursday, and ten on Friday. Passengers have faced long waits and uncertainty as they try to navigate the disruptions caused by the storms.

Airline Response:
Ryanair, one of the airlines affected by the cancellations, issued an apology to its passengers but criticized Spanish Air Traffic Control for what it called a “nonsensical” decision to prevent planes from landing. The airline pointed out that while departing flights from Palma continued as normal, incoming flights were halted, causing confusion and frustration among travelers.

Storm Impact Across the Balearic Islands:
The severe weather, part of the ‘DANA depression,’ has not only affected Majorca but also the surrounding islands. In Menorca, the situation became so dire that the Civil Guard had to carry out helicopter rescues for 16 individuals trapped by flooding. Authorities in Menorca are now requesting that the Spanish government declare the most severely affected areas as a ‘disaster zone.’

Restoring Normal Operations:
Reports indicate that conditions at Palma Airport are beginning to improve, with ‘normality’ expected to return by Saturday, August 17. The airport has issued a statement noting that while some delays continue, most are now limited to under 30 minutes, a significant improvement from earlier disruptions.

Jet2’s Update:
British airline Jet2 also updated its passengers, informing them of ongoing maintenance work at Palma Airport but reassuring them that efforts are being made to ensure a smooth airport experience. The airline provided specific check-in and boarding instructions to help travelers navigate the situation.

Conclusion:
As the Balearic Islands recover from the impact of the recent storms, tourists and locals alike are hoping for a swift return to normal operations at Majorca’s Palma Son Sant Joan Airport. While the worst of the weather appears to have passed, the situation serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of travel during extreme weather events.