Storm disrupts Barcelona flights, with over 400 cancellations reported

Heavy rain disrupted operations at Barcelona-El Prat Airport over the weekend, with over 400 flights cancelled as severe weather hit Catalonia.

The cancellations primarily affected arrivals and departures on Oct. 3–4, according to Civil Protection figures supplied to Spanish news agency EFE. 

Saturday accounted for 220 cancellations and Sunday for 165. 

 A further 29 cancellations were reported by Monday morning, bringing the provisional total since Saturday to 414.

On Saturday, thunderstorms forced air traffic controllers to increase spacing between aircraft and reduce operations, with some departures delayed by up to four hours.

Travellers also faced disruptions on the ground as the storm interrupted rail services around Barcelona.

Renfe reportedly suspended Rodalies commuter services, while the high-speed connection between Barcelona and Madrid remained closed until midday Sunday.

The Barcelona–Madrid connection reopened that afternoon, while services toward Figueres and the French border continued to face disruption that day.

Passengers are advised to check their flight status with their airline before heading to the airport.

As of Monday (Oct. 5) morning, FlightAware is reporting 97 cancellations in the last 24 hours and departure delays of just over an hour. 

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