Picture this: you’re sipping a cool drink on a Majorcan beach, the sun warming your skin. That’s what Priya, a 35-year-old teacher from London, had in mind for her family’s summer escape. Instead, she’s stuck at Palma de Mallorca Airport, her easyJet flight canceled as storms wreak havoc across the island. Since Sunday, fierce winds and rain have grounded hundreds of flights, leaving British tourists like Priya facing canceled plans, sleepless nights, and the ache of being far from home.
The storms hit hard, with 60 mph gusts and torrential rain flooding Palma’s runways and snarling air traffic control. EasyJet, a favorite for UK travelers, scrapped dozens of flights, joined by others like Ryanair, with over 300 flights delayed or canceled by Monday. “We were supposed to fly home yesterday,” Priya says, holding her daughter’s hand in a crowded terminal. “Now we’re stuck, and our hotel won’t extend our stay.” Her family was offered a rebooked flight via Glasgow—three days later—forcing them to hunt for a place to stay.
The culprit? A rare low-pressure system that turned Majorca’s sunny June into a soggy mess. Meteorologists point to climate shifts making such storms more common, while Spain’s airport authority halted operations for safety during the worst of it. Flooded roads added to the chaos, stranding passengers at the airport and delaying flights from UK hubs like Stansted. The travel industry, still finding its footing after years of challenges, is struggling to keep up, leaving travelers like Priya caught in the storm’s aftermath.
The emotional toll is heavy. Parents like Priya are juggling restless kids and shrinking budgets. “We’ve spent extra on food and taxis, and we’re running out of options,” she says. Travelers are frustrated by unclear updates and limited airline support. Some, stuck in terminals, share stories of missed work or school. Local hotels are full, and those with rooms are charging high rates. Consumer advocates are pushing airlines to follow EU rules on covering costs, but many feel left in the lurch.
EasyJet’s apology hasn’t eased the sting. “We’re doing all we can to rebook passengers and prioritize safety,” a spokesperson said. But long lines and overworked staff paint a different picture. Majorca’s tourism officials, aware of the island’s reliance on 2 million annual British visitors, are offering limited emergency aid. “We’re heartbroken for our guests,” a local spokesperson said. Some travelers praise the island’s efforts, while others vent about poor communication.
This mess could ripple for months. Tourists face unexpected costs—new flights, meals, hotels—while Majorca risks losing its shine as a top destination. The travel sector is under scrutiny to better handle extreme weather, which experts warn will increase. Palma’s airport is easing back to normal, with better weather expected soon, but delayed flights persist. Priya, checking her phone for updates, holds onto hope. “I just want my kids home safe,” she says. For her and thousands of others, this Majorcan summer is a reminder that even the best-laid plans can wash away.