Severe flooding shuts down Ibiza Airport and forces hotel evacuations

Severe flooding has struck the Spanish islands of Ibiza and Formentera, leading to widespread disruption, prompting emergency responses. The state meteorological agency AEMET issued a red alert, later downgrading it to a yellow.

On Tuesday evening, a rockfall hit the HT Vibra Tropical Garden hotel in Ibiza, prompting firefighters to evacuate about 220 guests; three of them reported injuries, according to the City Council. Heavy rain flooded streets, leaving cars stranded and roads blocked, while also causing power outages and disrupting phone lines across the islands.

Ibiza Airport experienced significant water leakage inside its terminal, leading to flight diversions and delays. By Tuesday morning, the water level exceeded 100 litres per square meter. The Military Emergency Unit (UME) worked overnight into Wednesday to clear floodwaters from runways and terminals. Travellers were advised to check with airlines before arriving at the airport. El País reported that around one thousand passengers missed their flights as access roads were washed out, and at least two people were hurt after slipping in flooded streets.

Heavy rainfalls are linked to the remnants of Hurricane Gabrielle, which lost strength while moving across the Atlantic but persists as a strong low-pressure system capable of causing disruption. 

Meteorologists from AEMET recorded staggering rainfall totals: Ibiza logged 254 mm in a single 24-hour span, making it the wettest day since at least 1952. On Formentera, more than 180 mm fell over 12 hours, the agency confirmed, issuing: “Extreme caution! There is extraordinary danger, with possible flooding and sudden surges in rivers and streams”. Authorities reported nearly 179 flooding-related incidents on Ibiza and six on Formentera, ranging from sunken ground floors and blocked roads to fallen trees and the risk of overflowing rivers.

Local authorities opened temporary fairgrounds to shelter 50 homeless people who might be at risk of the floods. Meanwhile, Ibiza’s schools were shut for the day, and officials said they intended to resume normal operations by Thursday. 

Experts have noted that climate change is worsening flooding in Spain. Dr Friederike Otto, senior lecturer in climate science at Imperial College London, told the BBC: “No doubt about it, these explosive downpours were intensified by climate change. With every fraction of a degree of fossil fuel warming, the atmosphere can hold more moisture, leading to heavier bursts of rainfall.”

All weather alerts were lifted, but damage assessments and cleanup operations continue. Authorities have urged residents and visitors to exercise caution, avoid flood-prone areas, and stay indoors during the ongoing adverse weather conditions. Forecasters have also warned that the UK could face heavy rainfall later this week as tropical cyclones approach.