Fog Forces Flight Delays of Up to Two Hours at Palma Airport

Fog banks have covered the bay of Palma this Thursday, causing delays of up to two hours at Son Sant Joan Airport. Aena has readjusted the flight schedule during peak season.

Palma Airport is experiencing a morning of uncertainty. The dense fog that has enveloped the bay since early morning has caused delays of up to two hours for both arrivals and departures. According to Aena, the reduced visibility has forced a readjustment of operations at a time of maximum tourist activity.

The Air Traffic Controllers' account has alerted on social media to "significant delays" at the aerodrome. The low visibility conditions are affecting take-offs and landings, and the forecast is that the situation will persist until mid-morning.

An Unusual Summer Fog

This phenomenon, known as summer fog, is not common in mid-July. It occurs when high humidity, calm winds during the early hours, and a thermal contrast between the air and the sea surface coincide. Residents and tourists have encountered a scene more typical of other months.

Usually, these fog banks dissipate quickly as the morning progresses and temperatures rise. However, during the early hours, they significantly reduce visibility and affect sensitive infrastructures such as the airport.

Extreme Heat and Orange Warning

The fog episode coincides with a day of extreme heat. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) forecasts temperatures in Palma ranging from 25 degrees in the morning to 35 degrees in the afternoon. In the interior of Mallorca, thermometers could reach up to 41 degrees.

Aemet has issued an orange warning for high temperatures between 12:00 and 19:00 in southern Mallorca, where there is a "significant danger" from heat. Citizens are advised to avoid sun exposure during peak hours, stay hydrated, and pay attention to the most vulnerable groups.

For passengers waiting at Son Sant Joan, the recommendation is to check the status of their flight with the airline before heading to the airport. The fog, although inconvenient, has a pleasant side: it offers an unusual view of the bay, with the silhouettes of the mountains blurred in the mist. Who knows, it may be the impromptu morning spectacle that some will remember from their holiday.