Fire Near Mallorca Airport Causes Travel Disruption

What Happened?

On a Monday afternoon, a blaze erupted at MercaPalma, a wholesale market close to Palma de Mallorca’s Son Sant Joan Airport. Thick black smoke rose over the Bay of Palma while holidaymakers were still arriving on the island.

How the Fire Started

Initial reports say several heavy‑goods vehicles caught fire around 3 p.m. The flames then spread to dry vegetation near the Son Banya settlement, engulfing trucks, trailers, and an abandoned car park.

Impact on Flights

Despite the fire’s proximity to the runway, airport authorities kept flights operating as usual. Planes continued to take off and land, but crews stayed on high alert.

Why Flights Were Not Halted

Aena, the airport operator, decided that the smoke and heat did not pose an immediate threat to aircraft safety. Emergency teams were ready to intervene if conditions worsened.

Emergency Response

Firefighters from Aena and Palma’s emergency services rushed to the scene. They worked to cool the blaze, prevent it from reaching the airport perimeter, and protect nearby residents.

Casualties and Injuries

No serious injuries were reported. Two firefighters received treatment for heat exhaustion, and one local resident suffered an anxiety attack due to the smoke.

Community Reaction

Residents of Son Banya were advised to stay indoors until the fire was under control. Many shared videos on social media showing the dark sky filled with smoke, expressing concern but also praising the swift response of emergency crews.

Airport Facts

Palma de Mallorca (PMI) is Spain’s third‑busiest airport, handling roughly 33 million passengers each year. During peak summer, it can manage flight movements comparable to London Heathrow, with about 12,000 travelers passing through every hour.

Conclusion

The fire near Mallorca’s main airport highlighted how quickly emergency services can mobilize to protect both travelers and locals. While flights continued without major disruption, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust fire‑prevention plans at busy travel hubs.

Reference: Source

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