As a result, more than 70 flights were disrupted and the local authorities warned people in the region to avoid travel unless strictly necessary. On Nov 5, the weather has improved and the clean-up operation continues.
What is the weather forecast for the next week?
The Met Office shows warm, dry conditions for Valencia and Barcelona over the next week. From Nov 6 to Nov 8, showers are expected in the Balearic Islands and there could be rainfall across other parts of mainland Spain’s Mediterranean coast, particularly close to the French border.
My flight has been cancelled – what are my rights?
If your flight has been cancelled, regardless of the notice period, you will be eligible for alternative transport. The airline must get you to your destination as soon as possible, if that is what you desire. If there is an alternative flight on your day of travel, your airline is obliged to book you on to it – regardless of whether it is on a different carrier.
It is, however, unlikely that you will be eligible for compensation, as the extreme weather is a meteorological event outside of the airline’s control.
Are Spain’s airports open?
Valencia Airport is open, but its departures board is showing delays for Nov 5. Barcelona Airport is also open, but it is also showing moderate delays across a number of its flights. All other Spanish airports are open as usual.
Is it safe to visit Spain right now?
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has updated its travel advice to read: “Severe weather and flooding is affecting many areas of Southern and Eastern Spain, particularly the Valencia region and Castilla La Mancha. Journeys may be affected. Check the latest weather warnings from Spain’s meteorological office before you travel and follow instructions from local authorities.”
However, there are no formal government warnings against travelling to Spain. This means that if you have a holiday booked to Spain, it is likely to be going ahead unless you have heard otherwise from your airline or tour operator.
Will I be insured if I visit Spain?
Simon McCulloch, the chief commercial officer of the travel insurance company Staysure, said: “The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has updated its travel guidance, advising travellers to stay informed of local conditions and to follow the advice of local authorities. However, at this stage, there is no advice against travel to Spain, so if you decide to cancel your trip, it’s unlikely you’ll receive a refund from your holiday provider or from your insurer. We therefore recommend contacting your holiday provider to explore the available options.”
