Storm Alice Brings Weather Warnings and Flight Disruptions to the Balearics

Thursday, October 9th, 2025

Updated 11/10/25

Storm Alice Continues to Affect the Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands remain under weather warnings this weekend as Storm Alice (DANA Alice) continues to move across the region. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has warned of locally strong or very strong showers and thunderstorms, accompanied by easterly winds affecting the islands throughout Saturday.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in many areas, with Ibiza, Formentera and parts of Mallorca seeing the most intense conditions. Residents and visitors are advised to stay cautious and keep up to date with the latest forecasts.

Emergency Services Urge Caution

Emergències 112 Illes Balears has reported that DANA Alice continues to impact the islands. Between 18:00 on Friday and 08:00 on Saturday, seven weather-related incidents were recorded. Authorities are urging people to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, and follow official safety advice, especially in areas prone to flooding. If you experience any problems caused by the storm, remember you can call 112 for assistance.

Air Traffic Restrictions and Flight Delays

Across the Balearics, air travel is also being affected by the unsettled weather. Controladores Aéreos, Spain’s air traffic controllers, confirmed on Saturday morning that thunderstorm activity is once again causing delays for safety reasons across the eastern mainland and particularly in the Balearic Islands. They reminded passengers that today is another day to “take things with patience” if you’re flying.

Meanwhile, ENAIRE, Spain’s national air navigation authority, has described the situation as “very adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Alice across the Mediterranean Arc”, with operational regulations in place for safety.
Travellers are advised to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight information before heading to the airport.

Flight Situation at Palma de Mallorca Airport on Saturday

While the day started this morning with widespread but fairly minor delays, the situation at Palma (PMI) has become far more serious since then. The vast majority of departures and arrivals are now significantly delayed, often by several hours. In total, there are 13 cancelled flights, affecting both arrivals and departures. These cancellations include inter-island services (e.g. to Menorca and Ibiza), connections to other Spanish airports, and flights to various destinations across Europe.

This sharp increase in disruptions reflects the broader operational constraints caused by Storm Alice. Thunderstorms across the Balearics and over the Spanish mainland are forcing aircraft to be rerouted or regulated for safety, which limits how many flights can run simultaneously in affected airspace. As the day progresses, further delays or cancellations may occur.

Why Delays Happen Even When Skies Look Clear

It’s important to remember that even when the weather in Palma appears relatively calm, weather systems elsewhere in the Balearics or on the Spanish mainland can still have a major impact on flight operations.

Pilots often need to adjust their routes to avoid thunderstorm cells, turbulence, or lightning. These detours increase flight times and add pressure on air traffic control, which must carefully coordinate the number of aircraft allowed in each airspace sector. To ensure safety, take-offs and landings may need to be spaced out more than usual, reducing the number of flights that can operate within a given period.

Delays can also build up throughout the day as a result of knock-on effects. When aircraft arrive late, the same plane may not be ready in time for its next scheduled departure. Crews can also run into duty-time limits if earlier flights were heavily delayed, and ground handling teams may face a backlog of aircraft waiting to be serviced. Similarly, missing an assigned departure or landing slot can force an aircraft to wait for the next available window, which can further lengthen delays.

Although these cascading effects can be frustrating for travellers, every restriction and delay is part of a safety-first approach designed to keep passengers and crews protected while Storm Alice continues to disrupt normal air traffic patterns.

Practical Advice for Travellers

If you’re due to travel via Palma de Mallorca Airport this weekend, here are a few useful tips:

• Check your flight status frequently with your airline.
• Allow extra time for your journey to the airport, as heavy rain or flooding could affect local roads.
• Keep up to date with weather alerts from AEMET and follow advice from local authorities.
• In case of an emergency, call 112.
• Stay patient and flexible. Remember: Delays and cancellations are being implemented to ensure everyone’s safety.

Looking Ahead

According to AEMET forecasts, conditions should gradually improve from Monday, 13 October, though some showers and occasional thunderstorms may persist early next week.

While Storm Alice continues to cause disruption today, it’s worth remembering that every delay, reroute, and regulation introduced by pilots and controllers is done with safety as the top priority.

If you’re flying today, pack a little extra patience and perhaps a good book, and rest assured that the teams at Palma Airport are working hard to keep operations running safely and smoothly.

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