People stand at Barcelona-El Prat Airport in El Prat de Llobregat near Barcelona.
© DPA / Kike Rincón/EUROPA PRESS
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After the floods in Valencia, it is raining heavily in Catalonia. The storm affects air traffic in Barcelona in particular. The red warning level applies in some cases.
After the storm disaster in Valencia, eastern Spain, the neighboring region of Catalonia has now been hit by heavy rain. So the airport in the regional capital Barcelona diverted 17 flights this morning, announced the Spanish Minister of Transport Óscar Puente on X.
50 flights scheduled to depart from Barcelona-El Prat airport were canceled and severely delayed.
There are leaks in several areas of the airport terminals and parking lots, he said. At the request of the civil defense, all regional rail traffic was temporarily suspended.
The coastal region around the provincial capital Barcelona is particularly affected by the storm in Catalonia. The highest red warning level from the Aemet weather service is then in place until 2 pm
Residents received warning messages from the civil defense on their mobile phones, including recommendations to stay at home if possible and avoid unnecessary trips.
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Interview: Understanding the Impact of Severe Weather on Air Travel
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. With the recent heavy rains causing significant disruptions in Barcelona, I’d like to introduce our expert, Dr. Elena Garcia, a climatologist with a focus on the impact of extreme weather on infrastructure and transportation. Thank you for being here, Dr. Garcia.
Dr. Garcia: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial topic given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
Editor: Absolutely. To set the stage, we’ve just witnessed severe rainfall in Catalonia, following a devastating storm in Valencia that resulted in flight disruptions. This morning alone, there were 17 flight diversions and about 50 cancellations at Barcelona-El Prat Airport. What can you tell us about the relationship between heavy rainfall and airport operations?
Dr. Garcia: Heavy rainfall poses multiple challenges for airports. First, it can affect the runway conditions, leading to safety concerns for takeoffs and landings. Additionally, airports must handle the logistics of unexpected diversions and cancellations, which can overwhelm passenger services. The infrastructure may also face issues with flooding, which can lead to operational delays.
Editor: That’s a great point. We’ve seen reports of leaks in different areas of the terminal as well. How does infrastructure maintenance play into this scenario?
Dr. Garcia: Infrastructure maintenance is critical, especially in regions that experience heavy rainfall. Airports need to have robust drainage systems and regular maintenance checks to prevent leaks and flooding. When these systems fail, as we’re witnessing in Barcelona, it exacerbates the situation, contributing to flight delays and increasing passenger frustration.
Editor: Speaking of passenger frustration, with such weather events becoming more common, how can airports better prepare for these disruptions?
Dr. Garcia: Preparation is key. This entails updating their emergency response strategies, investing in better infrastructure, and implementing advanced weather monitoring systems. Communication is also vital—keeping passengers informed about delays and alternative arrangements can help manage expectations and reduce frustration.
Editor: In terms of broader climate patterns, what trends are you observing that might lead to these types of severe weather in the future?
Dr. Garcia: We’re seeing an increase in the intensity and frequency of storms due to climate change. Warmer temperatures lead to more moisture in the atmosphere, which in turn can result in heavy rainfall and extreme weather events. Regions like Catalonia, which have historically been prone to drought, might increasingly find themselves dealing with these types of storms.
Editor: It’s a sobering thought. As an expert, what do you think is the role of government and local authorities in mitigating the impacts of such weather events on air travel?
Dr. Garcia: Local and national governments must prioritize funding for climate-resilient infrastructure. This includes enhancing drainage systems at airports and enforcing stricter building codes for resilience against flooding. Additionally, they can facilitate better emergency response coordination among transport services to minimize disruptions.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Garcia. It sounds like significant changes are needed both in infrastructure and policy to adapt to these challenges. What should passengers keep in mind during such extreme weather events?
Dr. Garcia: Passengers should remain informed about weather conditions and their flight status. It’s also wise to consider travel insurance that covers delays or cancellations due to extreme weather. Lastly, patience and understanding go a long way; remember that airport staff are doing their best in tough circumstances.
Editor: Wise words, Dr. Garcia. Thank you for your time today and for shedding light on this pressing issue. We’ll continue to monitor how these weather events impact air travel, and we appreciate your expertise.
Dr. Garcia: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for safer travels and better preparation for the future.