As the weather cools in northern Europe, sun-seeking holidaymakers will be getting ready to head down south to catch some winter warmth. If you’re set to travel to Spain this week, however, be prepared for disruptions as flash floods have struck the nation’s eastern coast.
Add to that the hours-long queues some people are facing at passport control as the new EES comes into effect, and you could be looking at quite a stressful trip.
Floods hit Spain in late September, and then ramped up again last Thursday (October 9) when torrential rain from Storm Alice swept across the east coast of the country, forcing Ibiza airport to close and hundreds of people to be evacuated from flooding hotspots. This comes almost exactly one year on from floods in the region that killed at least 62 people, but thankfully this time there have been no reports of severe injury or death.
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re due to travel to Spain in the coming days.
Where is the flooding in Spain?
There are floods across several major Spanish tourist destinations including Barcelona, Alicante, Ibiza, and more.
Last week, intense rain hit Catalonia and the south-eastern Mediterranean coast. A red weather warning was issued by the Spanish authorities for Catalonia, home to Barcelona, and an orange warning remains in place for the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, and the south.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of major cities or islands which are currently facing flooding, or is still seeing severe disruption as a result of it:
- Alicante
- Barcelona
- Benidorm
- Ibiza
- Formentera
- Murcia
- Palma de Mallorca
- Valencia
Yellow warnings remain in place in Catalonia; here is the most recent map issued by the Spanish weather board Aemet outlining the destinations still at high risk of floods as of October 14.
Are flights still running to Ibiza and other Spanish airports?
Flights to airports in the affected areas are generally running as normal, although expect delays and potentially cancellations if you are travelling while weather warnings are still in place.
Ibiza airport shut briefly over the weekend to give staff time to clear the runway, but it is unlikely that something like that will happen again. The national airport authority Aena has issued a statement urging passengers to double-check before they travel: ‘If you’re flying, check with your airline for the status of your flight. We recommend exercising caution during your travels.’
What’s the latest FCDO advice?
The FCDO has not issued a warning against travelling to Spain, although it does always recommend that you exercise caution when it comes to natural disasters or extreme weather. Regarding flooding, its official guidance states: ‘Flash flooding can cause travel disruption and damage to property and infrastructure. Check weather warnings from Spain’s meteorological office (AEMET) before travel and follow the advice of the local authorities.’
Can I get a refund if I cancel my trip?
Unless your trip is cancelled by your holiday provider, you are unlikely to get a refund as there have been no formal warnings against non-essential travel to Spain.
Extreme weather in Europe
Due to climate change, wildfires and extreme heatwaves hit several destinations across Europe this summer. Unfortunately, this seems to be part of a ‘new normal’ for summers in the Med as global warming intensifies year by year.
These are apparently Europe’s worst airports for delays due to new entry-exit system (EES).
ICYMI: The 10 coolest neighbourhoods in Europe – from Borgerhout to Digbeth.
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