12 June 2024 , 07:24
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Storms have battered the Spanish island of Mallorca, leaving its third biggest airport flooded during peak tourist season.
Footage from Son Sant Joan airport in Palma shows the tarmac covered in several inches of water on Tuesday.
The extreme weather brought all activity to a halt, with multiple flights cancelled, delayed or re-routed.
Water cascaded from the ceiling and planes were grounded on flooded runways at the airport.
Workers struggled to contain the flood to the outside of the main building in the airport.
The duty free section at Son Sant Joan was completely drenched, with shelves all covered in rainwater.
Tourists are seen drenched by leaks through windows, while water is also seeping out of buckets placed underneath.
Videos show the water flowing into buses, while cars and tarmac vehicles struggle to move in a flooded parking lot.
A statement on the website of the airport warned: ‘Operation limited by a strong storm. Check with your company before going to the airport.’
???? El Aeropuerto de #Palma de #Mallorca reactiva sus operaciones tras el paso de la tormenta.
— Aena (@aena) June 11, 2024
Ya se han iniciado los primeros despegues y aterrizajes y se prevé que los vuelos desviados vayan aterrizando durante la tarde.
ℹ️ https://t.co/JF2HA0IxQo https://t.co/hcWktrqSmu
Meanwhile, operator Aena said it was ‘impossible’ to continue operations safely.
Transport minister Oscar Puente said the airport had activated its emergency plan and flights to Mallorca were temporarily re-routed to alternative airports.
It was just an hour ago that the airport reopened, with the very first flights already taking off. Some to Spanish city of Malaga and Germany remain cancelled.
The Mediterranean island, known for its picturesque beaches and sunny weather, is one of Europe’s most visited destinations, especially popular with German and British tourists.