Palma: Car stops just short of the runway

Close call: Car comes to a stop shortly before Palma's runway

In the early morning of September 7, something happened that you don't see every day in Palma: a car apparently veered off the main road, broke through a security fence and only came to a halt a few meters before the runway. For residents and early commuters driving along the MA-19 to work, it looked like a scene from a film – only without a camera crew.

How the incident unfolded

According to police reports, the vehicle lost control, apparently due to reckless driving. It ran over the hard shoulder, tore a section of fence with it and rolled toward the airport grounds until it came to rest on the grass area in front of the runway. The driver and several passengers left the vehicle and ran off on foot – some are said to have come from the Son Banya neighborhood. The Guardia Civil only located the vehicle hours later.

Lucky for everyone involved: at that time there was no air traffic on the affected runway and there were no incidents involving aircraft. Airport operations officially remained unaffected, but the vehicle's proximity to the runway left emergency crews on site feeling uneasy. Firefighters and police initially secured the scene and checked for possible damage to the fence and infrastructure.

Investigations underway

Investigators have since been able to identify the driver. Which role each of the occupants played and whether drugs or alcohol were involved are now being examined. In addition to charges for dangerous driving, investigations for property damage and unlawful entry into a secured area are possible. Statements from those who fled are still outstanding, and potential accomplices from the area are also being interviewed.

Looking at the route, it's not hard to understand why such incidents are dangerous: the MA-19 runs directly past the airport, and although the separation between road and airfield is marked by fences and barriers, a vehicle at high speed remains unpredictable. Many residents report that they have long been warning about excessive or reckless driving on this stretch.

What matters now

Authorities emphasize that, while there were no direct consequences for flight safety or passengers, the event is being taken seriously. Anyone who saw anything or has photos or videos is asked to contact the Guardia Civil. For locals, the hope remains that such incidents can be prevented in the future through increased controls or strengthened security measures.

I was near the airport access road last night: the atmosphere was calm, but people were talking. No one wanted to appear sensationalist — it's more that ‘this could have ended badly’ feeling that lingers.