Flight Disruptions at Palma Airport: What Travellers Need to Know About Today’s Wind Shear
Monday, June 29th, 2026
Summer travel at Palma de Mallorca Airport (Son Sant Joan) faced severe disruption today, Monday 29 June 2026, as sudden and violent weather conditions forced air traffic controllers to scramble schedules. High-altitude and low-altitude wind shear has triggered widespread delays, mid-air holding patterns, and multiple flight diversions.
For safety reasons, at least six flights bound for Palma were forced to abort their landings and divert to alternative airports—five to Ibiza and one to Menorca. While the winds have begun to stabilise, travellers flying into or out of Palma this evening should expect knock-on delays.
Why is Wind Shear Such a Hazard for Aircraft?
Wind shear is a rapid, dramatic shift in wind speed and direction over a very short distance. It is highly dangerous because it unpredictably alters an aircraft’s airspeed and lift, the aerodynamic force that keeps a plane airborne.
The Danger During Landing
When approaching a runway, planes fly at low speeds and low engine power. A sudden drop in headwind or a sharp tailwind instantly robs the wings of lift, causing the plane to sink rapidly. Because jet engines take several precious seconds to spool up to full power, pilots must react instantly to execute a “go-around” (aborting the landing) before the aircraft drops too close to the ground.
The Danger During Take-Off
During take-off, an aircraft is already utilising maximum engine power to climb. If it encounters wind shear, a sudden downward draft or strong tailwind can violently cut its airspeed. Because the engines are already pushed to their limit, pilots have no reserve power left to accelerate, making it incredibly difficult to maintain a safe climb away from the ground.
Advice for Passengers
If your travel plans are affected by today’s weather disruption, keep a close eye on your airline’s app for real-time schedule adjustments. Because these delays are classified as “extraordinary circumstances” due to severe weather, airlines are generally exempt from paying compensation. However, if you face a lengthy delay at the terminal, your airline is still legally required to provide you with duty-of-care assistance, including complimentary refreshments and food vouchers.
