Unusual winter weather has gripped the Canary Islands, bringing snowfall to higher elevations of Tenerife and disrupting air travel across the archipelago. More than 36 flights have been cancelled as of Saturday, March 21, impacting both inter-island connections and international routes. The disruption comes as strong winds, heavy rain, and reduced visibility continue to affect the region, prompting authorities to issue orange weather warnings.
The situation is particularly challenging for travelers relying on inter-island flights, a crucial link for residents and tourism within the Canaries. Tenerife North Airport (TFN) has borne the brunt of the cancellations, with numerous services to El Hierro, La Palma, and Lanzarote suspended. Several international flights originally destined for La Palma have been diverted to Tenerife South (TFS) or Gran Canaria, according to reports from Aena, the Spanish airport authority. Aena is advising passengers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport.
This isn’t typical weather for the Canary Islands, known for their mild, subtropical climate. While snowfall isn’t unheard of on the highest peaks of Tenerife – Mount Teide, for example – it’s relatively rare at lower altitudes and across multiple islands. The current weather system, driven by a combination of cold air and moisture, has brought unusually cold temperatures and precipitation to the region. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has indicated that conditions are expected to gradually improve starting Sunday, March 22, but the orange alerts remain in effect through Saturday. AEMET provides detailed weather warnings and forecasts for the islands.
Flight Cancellations and Diversions: A Detailed Look
The impact on air travel extends beyond the immediate cancellations. Airlines are working to accommodate affected passengers, but rebooking options are limited due to the widespread disruption. Passengers with flights scheduled to or from Tenerife North, Tenerife South, Lanzarote (ACE), and Fuerteventura (FUE) are particularly advised to confirm their flight status directly with their airline.
Specifically, flights from Frankfurt (FRA), Zurich (ZRH), and Madrid (MAD) originally bound for La Palma (LPA) were rerouted to Tenerife South or Gran Canaria, according to flight tracking data. The majority of cancelled flights are operated by Binter Canarias, the regional airline serving the Canary Islands, but other carriers including Ryanair and Vueling have also reported disruptions.
The cancellations are causing significant inconvenience for travelers, particularly those with onward connections. Hotels on Tenerife and other affected islands are reporting increased demand as stranded passengers seek accommodation. Local authorities are coordinating with airlines and hotels to provide assistance where possible.
Why is this happening? The Unusual Weather Pattern
The current weather event is linked to a larger atmospheric pattern bringing colder air further south than usual. A cold front interacting with the warm, humid air over the Canary Islands has created the conditions for precipitation, including snow at higher elevations. While the Canary Islands benefit from a moderating maritime climate, this particular system has been strong enough to overcome those influences.
Experts note that while extreme weather events are becoming more frequent globally due to climate change, attributing any single event directly to climate change requires careful analysis. However, the increasing intensity and frequency of such events are consistent with climate models. The unusual snowfall in the Canary Islands serves as a stark reminder of the potential impacts of a changing climate, even in regions traditionally known for their stable weather patterns.
Impact on Daily Life and Local Communities
Beyond the disruption to air travel, the adverse weather has also impacted daily life for residents of the Canary Islands. Schools in some areas have been temporarily closed, and local authorities have urged residents to exercise caution when traveling, particularly in mountainous regions. Roads have been affected by snow and ice, leading to closures, and delays.
The agricultural sector is also feeling the effects, with some crops potentially damaged by the cold temperatures and heavy rain. The Canary Islands are known for their banana plantations and other agricultural products, and any significant damage could have economic consequences for local farmers.
Where to Discover the Latest Information
For the most up-to-date information on flight cancellations and disruptions, passengers are advised to check the following resources:
- Aena (Spanish Airport Authority): https://www.aena.es/
- AEMET (Spanish State Meteorological Agency): https://www.aemet.es/en/portada
- Airline Websites: Check the website of your specific airline for the latest flight status updates.
- Flight Tracking Websites: Websites like FlightAware and Flightradar24 can provide real-time information on flight movements.
As conditions are expected to improve from Sunday, March 22, travelers are encouraged to monitor the situation closely and plan accordingly. The Canary Islands are resilient, and local authorities are working to minimize the impact of this unusual weather event. The next official update from AEMET regarding the weather warnings is expected Sunday morning, providing a clearer picture of the conditions for the coming days.
Have your travel plans been affected by the weather in the Canary Islands? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below. Please also share this article with anyone who may be traveling to or from the region.
