Dense Fog Halts Flight Operations at Palma Airport

Early Tuesday morning, dense fog at Palma Airport slowed flight traffic. Both departures and arrivals were delayed, with some passengers waiting more than an hour.

The morning on Mallorca began today with dense fog hanging over Palma Airport and noticeably slowing flight operations. Passengers arriving at the terminal between roughly 7:00 and 9:30 a.m. reported longer waits at the gates and displays updating arrivals and departures hourly.

What exactly happened? With very limited visibility, for safety reasons the spacing between takeoffs and landings is increased and some ground operations are only partially carried out. Air traffic controllers activated the extended safety protocol — meaning fewer movements per hour and stricter clearances. As a result, numerous flights were delayed, including many connections to and from Germany. Several passengers reported delays of up to about 90 minutes.

Additionally observable: queues for taxis at the access road, longer lines at bus routes toward Palma city, and irritated families with suitcases at the Overseas Parking lot. A staff member at Gate B12 helped an elderly traveler with a blanket and coffee — small gestures that are needed in such hours.

Why does it take so long?

The security regime is not bureaucratic fluff; it is textbook-like: visibility below a defined threshold equals reduced capacity. Additionally, ground staff are deployed more cautiously because fog increases the danger of maneuvering on the tarmac. And yes, that costs time.

What should affected passengers do?

If you are flying to or from Palma today, check the status directly with your airline or on the airport's official flight information page (Aena). Call your airline if in doubt, check in at the counter, or use the app. Allow enough time for transfers and check-in, and expect delays. If you have connecting flights, inform yourself early—often airlines help with rebookings.

The fog may lift over the course of the day. Once visibility returns, the rhythm on the runway will normalize. Until then: stay calm, dress warmly against the dampness in the early hours, and a bit of patience. Nobody enjoys waiting at the airport, but safety comes first.