Storm hits Spanish airport sparking delays and cancellations

Flights were unable to take off and land at Majorca’s international airport on Wednesday because of flooding on its runways, following heavy rain that hit the popular Spanish holiday island.

Water also streamed from the ceiling of the complex’s shopping area and leaked through windows, videos posted on X appeared to suggest.

A weather station at the airport in the capital Palma recorded rainfall of nearly 5cm (2in) per hour, peaking at up to 9cm (3.5in) in less than an hour.

Eyewitnesses said it was “chaos”, with passengers running for cover from the rain which came pouring through the roof, the Majorca Daily Bulletin reported.

Aena, the operator of Palma de Mallorca Airport, confirmed there was flooding in some entrances to the facility and in the terminal building.

It said in a statement: “Palma de Mallorca Airport has temporarily paralysed operations due to the impact of a strong storm, due to the impossibility of operating safely.”

The airport – the third biggest in Spain – activated its emergency plan and flights to Majorca were temporarily re-routed to alternative airports, transport minister Oscar Puente said.

Planes already at the facility were grounded.

Later the airport resumed operations as the rain subsided, Mr Puente added.

An Aena statement said “Palma de Mallorca Airport has reactivated its operations after the storm.

“The first take-offs and landings have already begun and it is expected that the diverted flights will land during the afternoon at the Palma airport.”

“The airport continues working to normalise operations.

“Aena recommends passengers consult with their airline before travelling to the airport.”

More than 31 million passengers used the airport last year – an all-time record.

This article was originally published by Sky.com. Read the original article here.

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