A sudden bout of severe weather in Catalonia caused major disruptions at one of the country’s largest transport hubs. Barcelona Airport was nearly paralyzed: dozens of flights were cancelled as hurricane-force winds exceeded 100 km/h. For residents and visitors alike, the event proved to be a real ordeal, disrupting daily life and jeopardizing travel plans for the coming days.
On Thursday, airlines announced the forced cancellation of 67 flights. The cause was powerful air currents brought by a cyclone that swept over eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands. In some parts of Catalonia, the wind reached hurricane-like strength, and storm conditions were reported along the coast. Such weather phenomena are extremely rare for the region—the last comparable episode occurred more than a decade ago.
Passenger rights
Passengers whose flights were cancelled found themselves urgently having to adjust their plans. European regulations stipulate that in cases of extreme weather, airlines are exempt from paying compensation for cancelled or delayed flights. However, this does not mean travelers are left without support. They are entitled to a full refund within a week or an alternative route to their final destination—either as soon as possible or on a date convenient for the passenger.
Additionally, carriers are required to provide affected passengers with food, drinks, temporary accommodation, and transfers between the hotel and the airport. Passengers are also given the opportunity to contact family or friends by phone or email. All expenses related to the forced wait must be supported by official documents to avoid misunderstandings when requesting reimbursement.
Actions by airlines
If a flight is canceled, the airline must offer a seat on the next available flight, even if it departs from a different airport. The airline bears all additional relocation expenses. If the passenger does not agree to the proposed options, they have the right to demand a refund—exclusively in cash, by bank transfer, or by check. Voucher or bonus offers cannot be imposed.
Travelers are advised to carefully review the terms of their insurance policies: sometimes, insurance covers additional expenses not reimbursed by the airline. It is important to keep all receipts and documents confirming the expenses incurred, as well as to promptly file any official claims with the carrier. In complex cases, seeking legal assistance may be necessary.
Consequences for the region
Catalonia has found itself at the center of one of the most powerful windstorms in recent years. Strong gusts not only disrupted airport operations but also caused issues in other sectors: heavy traffic was reported on the roads, and dangerous waves were observed along the coast. Meteorologists warn that such phenomena may recur and advise residents to be prepared for sudden weather changes.
In recent years, Spain has been facing extreme weather events more and more often. One recalls how a similar storm in 2023 led to widespread flight delays in Madrid and Valencia. Thousands of passengers were also forced to change their plans, and the transport system came under severe strain. Such events serve as a reminder of the need to be ready for nature’s unexpected challenges and to plan alternative routes in advance.
