Strong winds make landing difficult for planes and cause cancellations in Spain; here's what we know | VIDEOS
Strong winds disrupted flights and complicated landing maneuvers at Barcelona-El Prat Airport in Spain, leading to several flight cancellations and diversions.
On Thursday, severe wind conditions severely disrupted air traffic operations at the Barcelona-El Prat Airport, prompting multiple flight diversions and cancellations. With average wind speeds reaching 61 kilometers per hour and peak gusts hitting 92.5 kilometers per hour, the airport struggled to maintain regular operations, with as many as eight flights diverted to other terminals in Girona, Madrid, and Valencia, alongside 53 cancellations reported during the morning.
Despite the tough weather conditions, 86 flights managed to land successfully without incident, showcasing the skill of the flight crews who had to perform complex maneuvers to stabilize the aircraft before touching down. Videos circulating online depicted planes attempting to land amid challenging circumstances, highlighting the severity of the situation faced by airline staff and travelers alike.
This weather event underscores the broader implications of climate and weather patterns affecting air travel in Spain, especially in Catalonia. Such conditions not only create operational challenges for airlines but also impact passengers and the overall travel experience during peak seasons, raising questions about how airports and airlines can better prepare for similar future weather-related disruptions.