Latest news with #PalmaAirport
Daily Mirror
24-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Palma Airport strikes due to kick off this week in latest holiday blow for Brits
The protest at Palma Airport is expected to bring services to a halt on Friday, with staff complaining about "suffocating" working conditions in the latest holiday blow for Brits Majorca airport is bracing for a "total standstill" as staff are set to stage a major protest that threatens to grind services to a halt on Friday. Angry workers have announced plans for a significant demonstration, aiming to bring the airport to a standstill in a way that could result in flight cancellations, extensive queues, and delays affecting both domestic and international routes. The union has advised travellers to arrive at the airport earlier than usual and to verify their flight status with their airlines. To add to the aviation woes, air traffic in Majorca experienced substantial delays since early morning, following a night of heavy rainfall and strong winds across the northwestern Mediterranean. Bad weather is also forecast for tomorrow morning, potentially doubling up the chaos caused by the strikes. The airport employees, united under the UGT trade union banner, are protesting against "suffocating" working conditions. They are calling for the establishment of a negotiation group that includes Spain's airport authority Aena, the government, and representatives of the workforce. UGT has scheduled a three-hour protest at Palma Airport on July 25 to highlight what they call a "situation of unsustainable precariousness" within the Balearic air sector. The demonstration aims to draw attention to the poor working conditions that they allege are unacceptable. Although the July 25 protest will be limited in time, the organizers do not rule out further action if there is no progress. This worries airport authorities and airlines, as Son Sant Joan Airport is one of the busiest in Europe during the summer months. The unions argue that external companies providing various services are "abusing" workers' rights. They assert that employees are mistreated, holiday schedules are mishandled, and there is a lack of opportunities for career advancement. Furthermore, the unions are demanding the recruitment of skilled personnel for supervisory and managerial positions, as well as the provision of proper vehicles and work tools, particularly considering the high temperatures. They insist that staff require uniforms which "respect their dignity", with clothing tailored to harsh weather conditions, including waterproof jackets for periods of torrential rain. UGT has directly pointed the finger at firms including Swissport, Groundforce, Menzies, Easyjet, Pasarelas, Eurowings, Jet2, Ryanair and South, amongst others, for employment practices which it deems "close to exploitation". The ongoing upgrades at the airport have also drawn criticism, with trade unions claiming the construction work seems never-ending and is negatively affecting workers' health and safety. The union is also calling for complimentary parking for employees and the establishment of a new staff canteen offering reasonably-priced meals. UGT holds airport operator AENA accountable for all these failings and cautions that unless discussions to address these matters intensify, the demonstrations will persist. The union has secured backing from the Balearic government, which last week called for immediate intervention at the airport after acknowledging "the build-up of incidents" is damaging its tourism image. Authorities state that delays, cancellations and overbooking at Palma airport in Majorca are generating an increasing number of grievances and "generate widespread discomfort and project a very negative image of the islands." They have also raised concerns about lengthy queues at security checkpoints and the ongoing construction at the airport, coupled with the "collapse in accesses and transit areas." "From Consumer Affairs, it is stressed that air traffic in the Balearic Islands is not only key for tourism but also an essential public service for the connectivity of citizens, especially in an island territory such as the Balearic Islands. However, delays, cancellations and overbooking cause a growing volume of complaints, generate widespread discomfort and project a very negative image of the islands," a government spokesperson declared. "The Consumer Affairs Department of the Ministry of Health considers it essential that the competent aviation authorities are extremely vigilant and control during the high season and ensure compliance with European Regulation 261/2004, which protects the rights of passengers in the event of service interruptions. "Likewise, the General Directorate denounces that the execution of works at Palma airport in the middle of high season generates a context of general discomfort, collapse in accesses and transit areas, and long waits at security controls, with direct damage to both passengers and staff working in the facilities. "For all these reasons, Consumer Affairs calls on the central government to adopt measures to guarantee the proper functioning of air traffic in the Balearic Islands and protect the rights of passengers and the safety of users."
Daily Mirror
13-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful island is 'most unwelcoming in Europe' for British tourists
The stunning Balearic island of Majorca has been named the European destination where British tourists are most likely to be targeted by anti-tourism protesters The stunning island of Majorca, a favourite amongst millions of holidaymakers, has been dubbed the European destination where Brits are least welcome. The picturesque Balearic island received an 'unfriendliness rating' of 8/10 in a list of Europe's most unwelcoming spots for British tourists. This follows massive protests in mainland Spain, with thousands marching on Barcelona's La Rambla, brandishing signs such as "Tourism kills the city" and "Tourists out of our neighbourhoods. Some protesters took things further - attacking tourists dining at restaurants on La Rambla with water pistols. READ MORE: 'I'm a beauty writer - the new ghd curling wand gave me perfect waves in 15 mins' However, pretty Majorca has seen similar protests on pretty much a weekly basis. And the island topped The Telegraph's list of holiday destinations where British tourists are least wanted. It comes after last year more than 10,000 people marched in Palma de Majorca to protest against tourism. Some demonstrators escalated their actions, targeting tourists dining at La Rambla restaurants with water pistols. However, beautiful Majorca has experienced similar protests almost weekly. The island topped The Telegraph's list of holiday destinations where British tourists are least desired. This comes after more than 10,000 people marched in Palma de Majorca in May to protest against tourism. This was followed by "occupations" at St Rapita Beach and Caló des Moro cove in June, where protesters encouraged tourists to depart. More anti-tourism protests are planned in Palma de Majorca later this month, on July 21 - just as UK schools break up and families jet off for their summer holidays. Protest groups have discussed potentially blockading Palma Airport and surrounding roads, which could cause significant disruption for tourists this summer, reports the Express. Ibiza's Balearic sister, Majorca, may bask in the sun unhindered, but The White Isle has been suffering from such severe anti-tourism sentiments that hospitality workers are resorting to living in cars due to sky-high rents. Yet it seems Barcelona is even less hospitable towards Brit holidaymakers, with The Telegraph assigning it a frosty hostility rating of 7/10. The city bears scars from intense protests against crowds of tourists overwhelming local life. In a shockingly violent display against tourism, a band of masked assailants targeted a tour bus in Barcelona back in 2017, slashing tyres and spraying graffiti, an ordeal passengers mistook for a terrorist ambush at first. Matching Barcelona's chilly reception, Amsterdam's dislike for tourists also scored 7/10 from The Telegraph. Interestingly, resistance there isn't just from disgruntled locals; even the official channels are asking rowdy British revellers to veer off course. Amsterdam's municipal powers that be have publicly discouraged British party animals with their no-nonsense "Stay Away" campaign, specifically aiming at those who flock for weekends awash with stag dos and raucous parties. Venice pitches in slightly friendlier than its counterparts, yet still touches a lukewarm 6/10 according to The Telegraph, while Croatia's age-old gem, Split, stands on par with Venice on the hospitality thermometer. On the sunny side of things, The Telegraph sings praises for Provence and Corfu, suggesting that these picturesque spots not only boast balmy climates but also where you're likely to be met with open arms and warm smiles.
The Irish Sun
10-07-2025
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
Majorca STORM warning as torrential rain batters Brit holiday island sparking travel chaos – while UK basks in 33C sun
BRITS hoping for sun-soaked beach days in Majorca have been met with storm warnings and flooded airports instead - while back home the UK is basking in scorching summer heat. Holidaymakers jetting off to the Balearic islands were warned to check their flight status after a freak torrential storm slammed into the Majorca and Menorca. 6 Majorca was hit by a freak torrential thunderstorm Credit: 6 Flights were delayed and sections of the airport sealed off due to roof leaks Credit: Diario de Mallorca 6 Footage showed knee-deep water flooding airport hallways after the deluge Credit: 6 Staff scrambling to place buckets and barriers as puddles filled passenger corridors Credit: Thursday's deluge — between 20 and 25 litres per square metre in just 30 minutes — caught many by surprise. Cracked clouds rolled over the island from the northwest, with thunder, lightning and torrential rain tearing through early morning skies, Aemet meteorologist Miquel Gili told A cold drop is expected to arrive by Saturday, potentially bringing more showers and thunderstorms to northern Majorca and Menorca, Aemet has warned. The Spanish weather agency also shared a graphic showing the several lightning strikes across mainland Spain and into the Balearics. Read more world news But by Sunday, some stabilisation is forecast. Despite the stormy skies, temperatures are still hovering near 32°C in Majorca. But with the airport drenched and delays piling up, it's hardly the sunny escape many were dreaming of. Back in blissfully storm-free Britain, the picture couldn't be more different. Most read in The Sun London and the South East woke to wall-to-wall sunshine and soaring temperatures, with the mercury The weekend will bring more of the same – hot, dry days and warm nights, with only a slight cool-down by Monday. Emergency alarm raised at Majorca airport after roof collapses Travel chaos The showers have since caused chaos at Palma Airport and dramatic scenes across popular tourist spots like Alcúdia, Sóller and Playa de Palma. Footage shared online shows water pouring through the ceilings of Palma airport's terminals, with knee-deep brown water flooding several hallways. Staff were also seen scrambling to place buckets and barriers as puddles filled passenger corridors. According to 'If a passenger had stood under the collapsed skylight, it would have been a disaster,' one shaken traveller told the outlet. Air traffic was heavily disrupted in the hols hotspot as storms made take-offs and landings risky. Air traffic controllers posted on X: 'Very significant delays today at Palma Airport due to the forecast of storms affecting approach and landings.' To avoid danger, flights were held at ground level until Eurocontrol allowed movement, and others were forced to divert. Air traffic authorities said: 'Our job is to facilitate these diversions while ensuring separation between aircraft. 'Once the arriving crews confirm that they are free of storms, we guide them and sequence them for the approach and landing in Palma.' Meanwhile, sections of the airport were sealed off due to roof leaks. 'It's a truly regrettable situation,' said Balearic Government spokesman Antoni Costa. He called out 'serious deficiencies' at the island's busiest airport and warning that recent failures could have had disastrous consequences. 6 The Aemet shared a graphic showing the several lightning strikes across mainland Spain and into the Balearics Credit: 6 A cold drop is expected to arrive by Saturday and could bring even more showers Credit:
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Time of India
Panic at Spain Airport: Ryanair passengers leap from wing after fire alert; 18 injured in chaos at Palma airport
A fire alert aboard a Ryanair flight bound for Manchester triggered panic and chaos at Palma Airport in Majorca, resulting in 18 injuries during an emergency evacuation early Saturday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The incident occurred just after midnight while the aircraft was still on the runway. Passengers were immediately evacuated following the alert, with video footage showing some climbing onto the aircraft's wing and jumping to the tarmac below. Emergency services, including four ambulances, airport fire crews, and police, responded swiftly. Medical teams confirmed that 18 individuals required treatment, with six transported to local hospitals, as reported the Sun.. The injuries were said to be minor. Social media footage captured scenes of passengers frantically leaping from the wing and running across the tarmac. Meanwhile, others used the emergency slide on the opposite side, following standard evacuation protocol. At least 18 people injured after fire alert on Ryanair plane in Majorca as passengers leap from wing An airport employee, quoted by The Sun, remarked: "Do you know the plane has emergency exits? Now the people are jumping from the wing onto the ground." Adding to the confusion, some passengers described a lack of clear direction from cabin crew during the alert. According to one distressed mother whose daughter was on board, the crew appeared overwhelmed, as quoted by the Sun: "One attendant shouted, 'Get off', the other froze and she didn't know what was going on. She looked as shocked as the passengers." The woman further recounted a harrowing phone call from her daughter during the evacuation: "My daughter called me and said, 'Mum, I'm trying to get down the slide, I might not survive this and I love you'. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It was horrible. I couldn't sleep all night, even after I knew she was safe. They got no support when she got in the airport." Airport authorities confirmed that the emergency call was received at 12.36 am. A spokesperson for Majorcan emergency services stated, "We received an alert about a fire on a plane on the ground at Palma airport at 00.36 am today. Four ambulances were sent to the scene which were two basic life support units and two advanced life support units. Eighteen people were injured and received medical assistance of whom six were taken to hospital. They were all minor. Three went to the Clinica Rotger and three to the Palmaplanas Hospital." Ryanair later clarified that the evacuation was triggered by a false fire warning. In its official statement, the airline said: "This flight from Palma to Manchester discontinued take-off due to a false fire warning light indication. Passengers were disembarked using the inflatable slides and returned to the terminal." "While disembarking, a small number of passengers encountered very minor injuries (ankle sprains, etc.) and crew requested immediate medical assistance. To minimise disruption to passengers, we quickly arranged a replacement aircraft to operate this flight, which departed Palma at 07:05 this morning. We sincerely apologise to affected passengers for any inconvenience caused," it further added.
Telegraph
05-07-2025
- Telegraph
Watch: Ryanair passengers leap from plane after fire onboard
At least 18 passengers were injured early on Saturday as they attempted to flee a Ryanair plane that had caught fire on the runway in Majorca. Video from Palma airport shows holidaymakers jumping from the aircraft's wing to the tarmac below before running away from the plane. The plane was about to leave the airport when the crew sounded the alarm about a fire onboard to the emergency services shortly after midnight. It is still unclear what caused the fire and what the plane's destination was. Several ambulances were rushed to the scene, with six passengers taken to hospital. Their injuries are not believed to be serious. A confused airport worker was overheard telling a colleague in a walkie-talkie message: 'Do you know the plane has emergency exits?' as frightened travellers were filmed jumping to the tarmac. He added: 'Plane about to leave from apron ten or eight and now the people are jumping from the wing onto the ground.' 'Something's happening, something's happening, they're evacuating the plane. Now the firefighters are coming.' The emergency was quickly brought under control and most passengers left the plane in an orderly fashion, local media report. A spokesman for a regional government-run emergency response coordination centre confirmed on Saturday morning: 'We received an alert about a fire on a plane on the ground at Palma airport at 00.36am today. 'Four ambulances were sent to the scene which were two basic life support units and two advanced life support units. 'Eighteen people were injured and received medical assistance of whom six were taken to hospital,' the spokesperson added, describing the injuries as 'minor.'
