Storm Melissa Disrupts Barcelona Airport, Leading to Dozens of Flight Cancellations

Severe Weather Grips Catalonia

Barcelona's El Prat Airport experienced significant operational disruptions on Thursday, November 6, 2025, as a powerful storm system, identified as ex-Hurricane Melissa, brought torrential rainfall and high winds to Catalonia. The severe weather conditions resulted in at least 47 flight cancellations and numerous delays, impacting both domestic and international travel.

The region was placed under an orange alert for heavy precipitation and strong winds by Meteocat, Catalonia's meteorological service, with authorities urging residents to exercise 'maximum caution' and avoid unnecessary travel.

Airport Operations and Widespread Disruption

The intense rainfall and gusty winds severely affected operations at Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Spanish airport operator Aena advised passengers to verify their flight status with airlines before traveling to the airport. ENAIRE, Spain's air navigation manager, stated that 'bad weather and strong storms affected operations and forced safety measures to be put in place at the airport.' Flight tracking websites reported significant delays, with outbound flights experiencing average delays of 68 minutes and arrivals landing nearly an hour behind schedule.

Beyond air travel, the storm caused widespread disruption across the Barcelona metropolitan area. Streets and underpasses were flooded, trees were toppled, and the Rodalies rail network also faced significant interruptions, with several lines suspended or experiencing delays. Emergency services in Catalonia responded to approximately 300 weather-related incidents, including nearly 40 calls handled by Barcelona's fire brigade, which included rescuing individuals trapped in elevators due to power outages and water intrusion.

Ex-Hurricane Melissa's Trajectory

The storm system affecting Spain originated from Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic tropical cyclone that had previously wreaked havoc across the Caribbean in late October 2025. Hurricane Melissa was an extremely powerful Atlantic hurricane, reaching Category 5 intensity and causing extensive damage in countries such as Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti. After its destructive path through the Caribbean, the system transitioned into a post-tropical cyclone, or 'ex-Hurricane,' as it moved across the Atlantic and subsequently impacted the Iberian Peninsula.

Ongoing Warnings and Recovery Efforts

Catalan President Salvador Illa urged residents to 'follow emergency service instructions, specifically advising against unnecessary travel and warning people to avoid rivers, streams, and gullies.' While the most severe conditions were expected to gradually improve, meteorologists indicated that the storm system could continue to affect parts of northeastern Spain, with further rain and strong gusts possible. Local councils advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and maintain 'extreme caution' around low-lying areas, with emergency services continuing to respond to flood-related incidents.