Incident Causes Alarm Amid Holiday Rush
A roof collapse at Palma de Mallorca Airport on Tuesday afternoon caused panic among passengers in the arrivals hall. The incident occurred in one of Spain’s busiest airports, which has seen a surge in summer traffic from European travellers.
Emergency services were alerted after part of the roof collapsed, sending glass and wooden panels crashing to the ground. No injuries were reported, according to airport authorities.
AENA, Spain’s airports operator, confirmed the collapse followed debris falling on the glass roof and breaking the protective layer. Glass and wooden panels fell onto vending machines in the baggage reclaim area. Security teams quickly sealed off the area and redirected newly arrived passengers.
Footage Shows Aftermath of Collapse
Video footage taken moments after the collapse shows shattered glass and wooden panelling scattered across the arrivals hall floor. Travellers are seen lining up on either side of the damage, visibly shocked and unsure of what happened.
At one point, a man in a white shirt approaches the debris and raises his hands in the air. The noise of the collapse triggered alarm across the terminal, though concern eased once it was clear no one had been hurt.
The affected infrastructure had reportedly been in place for months. Airport officials are now assessing the damage and have initiated a review to determine responsibility.
Cae un techo en el aeropuerto de #Palma cerca de las cintas de recogida de equipajes llenas de pasajeros. #Aena #Aeropuerto https://t.co/tMgMaR7pa4 pic.twitter.com/UDV9hUBL3g
— 😉Controladores Aéreos 🇪🇸 (@controladores) June 24, 2025
Background of Delays and Disruption
The collapse comes weeks after British holidaymakers faced major disruptions at Palma Airport due to flight cancellations. Airlines cited “air traffic control restrictions” caused by poor weather across northern Europe.
Several families missed their return flights from the Balearic Islands during the half-term break. EasyJet and other carriers grounded flights, citing external operational challenges.
Beth Rafferty, 31, from Hastings in East Sussex, was among those stranded. She was travelling with her partner Lewis Chapman, 26, and their two children aged eight and ten.
They were due to fly to London Gatwick on Sunday evening. At 7pm, they received an email stating their easyJet flight had been cancelled. Later reports suggested northern European weather had triggered the disruption.
Passengers Face Financial Losses
Beth said fewer than twelve flights were cancelled but over 120 others experienced delays. She claimed hundreds of passengers were affected and left searching for alternatives.
Her family paid £300 for last-minute hotel accommodation after the cancellation. With no immediate easyJet replacement, they spent £1,500 on Jet2 seats to Bournemouth. The move ensured their children could return to school on time.
This series of delays came as Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary warned of worsening ATC delays in 2025. O’Leary criticised “shoddy ATC services” and forecast record-breaking disruptions for European flights this summer.
Safety Concerns Raised by Workers
The roof collapse adds to growing concerns from airport employees about ongoing construction and building conditions. Workers had raised complaints in recent weeks about a lack of safety measures.
There have been other minor incidents at Palma Airport recently, none of which resulted in injury. Unions have flagged the need for stricter protocols amid ongoing infrastructure works.
Authorities Begin Investigation
AENA confirmed the collapse occurred in the arrivals section, where high traffic continues due to seasonal travel. Airport officials are reviewing the event to determine causes and evaluate liability.
The baggage reclaim zone where the materials landed was quickly evacuated. Passengers were moved to alternative areas while crews began cleanup operations.
Officials continue to monitor the situation and will implement safety measures based on the investigation’s findings.
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Palma Airport Remains Operational
Despite the incident, Palma Airport has remained operational. Flights continue as scheduled, with only minor delays reported following the event.
Authorities have not announced any terminal closures or flight cancellations due to the collapse. Security personnel and staff remain on site to manage passenger movement and safety.
The incident highlights infrastructure challenges at European airports facing record tourist numbers this season.
Holiday Season Brings Strain on Services
Palma Airport serves millions of passengers each year, particularly during the summer months. The Balearic Islands remain a popular destination for British, German and Dutch tourists.
As temperatures rise and school holidays begin, the airport has been operating at near capacity. Airlines and staff are managing passenger loads while balancing ongoing maintenance.
Tuesday’s incident underscores the pressure on airport infrastructure and staff as traffic continues to rise across the region.
Authorities have not confirmed when the damaged section will be fully repaired or reopened. Investigations and maintenance reviews are expected to continue through the week.
