Sunday, December 22, 2024

Torrential rain floods Majorca airport

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Flights to the island had to be rerouted to alternative destinations and roads around the airport were closed because of the intense flooding.

As the rain subsided, the airport began resuming operations.

“The first take-offs and landings have already begun, and the diverted flights are expected to land at Palma airport during the afternoon. The airport continues to work to normalise operations. The airports authority recommends passengers to check with their airline before travelling to the airport,” a spokesman for the airport said.

The national weather agency, AEMET, said its station at the airport recorded rainfall of nearly five centimetres (two inches) per hour, with peaks of up to nine centimetres in less than an hour.

Neighbouring Ibiza was also hit by heavy rain. More rain was forecast for the islands on Wednesday and Thursday.

One of Europe’s most visited destinations, Majorca is particularly popular with British and German tourists but there has been a recent backlash against the impact of mass tourism.

Locals staged protests in the capital, Palma de Majorca, and on the island’s beaches, saying they can no longer put up with summer tourist hordes, heavy traffic and unaffordable rents.

More protests are planned for this Sunday, June 16.

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