Severe Winds Disrupt Air Travel in Cantabria: Flights Diverted to Nearby Cities

On Sunday, January 5, 2025, the region of Cantabria in northern Spain was hit by strong winds, causing significant disruptions to air travel. The adverse weather conditions forced several flights destined for Santander’s Seve Ballesteros Airport to be diverted to other cities.

Flight Diversions

One of the affected flights was a Vueling flight from Barcelona to Santander. Due to the impossibility of landing in Santander because of the strong winds, this flight was diverted to Asturias. The return flight from Santander to Barcelona also had to depart from Asturias, highlighting the severity of the weather conditions.

In addition to the Vueling flight, three other flights were diverted. An Iberia flight from Madrid was redirected to Bilbao, while two Ryanair flights, one from Brussels and the other from Valencia, were diverted to Madrid. These diversions occurred around 16:00 hours on Sunday.

Weather Conditions

The strong winds in Cantabria reached speeds of up to 166 kilometers per hour, making it hazardous for flights to operate normally. This severe weather has not only impacted air travel but also led to various incidents on the ground. The emergency services, including the 112 emergency hotline, have attended to over a dozen incidents related to the wind, urging people to exercise extreme caution when outdoors.

Impact on Travelers

The diversions have caused inconvenience to travelers, many of whom were likely returning from holiday or business trips. The disruptions underscore the challenges posed by severe weather conditions and the importance of real-time weather monitoring in aviation.

Regional Response

Local authorities and emergency services are on high alert, addressing the various incidents caused by the strong winds. The public has been advised to be cautious and avoid unnecessary travel until the weather improves.

As the region continues to deal with the aftermath of the strong winds, travelers are advised to check with their airlines for any updates on flight schedules and to follow local weather forecasts closely.