Drone Causes Standstill at Palma Airport – Eight Flights Diverted, Dozens Delayed

Shortly before 7 p.m., air traffic at Palma Airport was halted for about 35 minutes. Eight aircraft had to divert, and many travelers waited in the terminals.

Drone Alert in Palma: Evening Flight Halt Causes Chaos at the Gates

Last night, just before 7:00 p.m., there was a sudden standstill at Palma Airport. A drone was spotted near the takeoff and landing runway – enough to freeze air traffic for about 35 minutes. On the tarmac there was the usual din of noise, announcements, and apron lights; then came an unusual, oppressive calm that you don't expect.

What happened

The closure lasted a little over half an hour. During this time, takeoffs and landings could not be conducted safely. As a result, a total of eight flights were diverted; many aircraft arrived late, some passengers had to lay over on other islands or on the mainland. Among the diversions was also an aircraft that was scheduled to depart to Düsseldorf.

Passengers report: At Terminal A, the loudspeaker announced several times that a quick solution was being pursued. Some passengers stood with suitcases as if rooted to the spot, others grabbed a coffee and rolled their eyes. A taxi driver at Exit C dryly said: \"This kind of thing happens here more often, but rarely in the middle of the evening.\"

Impact on the ground

The short stoppage mainly triggered a chain reaction: connecting flights were missed, baggage risked becoming tangled on the belts, and buses to the parking garage arrived late. At Parking Lot P4 a small queue of vacationers formed, wanting to reach their cars later than planned. Airport staff and security were visibly deployed to calm the situation.

Authorities are investigating

The competent authorities have launched investigations. They are looking for the person or persons responsible who could have controlled the drone. If it turns out that the drone was deliberately guided into controlled airspace, high fines and criminal proceedings may follow – this is strictly regulated in Spain for good reason.

What remains: For affected travelers, it's now a matter of waiting, contacting the airline, and sorting out replacement connections. For the city and the authorities, it's another wake-up call: drones can disrupt airport operations, and controls around the area remain a constant topic.

Quick tips for travelers

If you're flying today: arrive a bit earlier at the airport, keep an eye on the airline app, and stay calm in case of delays. A few hours later on the beach isn't pleasant, but it's still better than standing on the taxiways.

The investigations are ongoing. As soon as new findings emerge, we'll report back — I was on site, spoke with waiting passengers, and am now sipping my second café con leche. That's life here, after all.