More than 50 flights at Barcelona-El Prat Airport have been cancelled and 194 delayed as a severe thunderstorm with hail and strong wind gusts batters northeastern Spain, according to FlightRadar data cited by The Mirror.
The Catalan meteorological agency issued a severe thunderstorm and rain alert this morning, warning those in Barcelona to expect "hail and very strong wind gusts". Travellers flying to and from the airport have been urged to check the status of their flights due to "adverse weather" in the region.
Airport and airline response
A warning message on the airport website reads: "Adverse weather. If you are planning to fly to/from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, please check with your airline for the status of your flight."
Enaire, Spain's national air navigation service provider, said a "very severe storm over Barcelona is greatly complicating approach manoeuvres for pilots". Safety regulations are being activated for arrivals at the airport, it added. "If you're planning to fly, check with your airline about the status of your flight."
Vueling Airlines told passengers in a post on X that some of its flights may be affected "due to adverse weather conditions in Barcelona and the Balearic Islands." The airline added: "Please check the status of your flight before heading to the airport. We will notify you by email of any changes. If you made your booking through a travel agency, please contact them directly."
Storm impact and government restrictions
Enaire said the full recovery of services will depend on the movement of the storms throughout the day, with passengers warned further disruptions to scheduled flights could occur.
Severe weather has also forced the Catalan government to restrict movement and suspend outdoor sporting activities. The state meteorological agency warned: "Be prepared [...] severe damages to people and properties may occur, especially to those vulnerable or in exposed areas."
It said those in the peninsular Mediterranean area and Balearic Islands could expect to see "very heavy and persistent showers and storms, with possible flooding" as well as damage to infrastructure from wind and hail.
