Major storm hits Spain: Valencia Airport flooded, nearly 80 flights disrupted 

Spain is recovering from a major storm that caused dramatic flooding, killing scores of people and disrupting air and rail travel.  

Valencia Airport (VLC) was severely disrupted by the flooding with flights cancelled and others diverted to other cities in Spain.  

On October 30, 2024, a historical storm called Isolated High Level Depression (known in Spanish as DANA) brought heavy rain, strong winds and tornadoes to parts of southern and eastern Spain. Within a few hours, intense flash floods transformed streets into rivers, damaging homes, local businesses, and other facilities.  

The Meteorological Agency (Aemet) of Spain reported that the storm is “still over Spain” as of October 31, 2024. Currently, 12 provinces remain on alert for rain. Severe rainstorms are hitting Tarragona and Castellón. The latest update indicates that flooding has spread to Catalonia and C. Valenciana.  

The Spanish government reported that Valencia and Castilla La Mancha were hit hardest. At least 62 people were killed in Valencia, two people were killed in Castile-La-Mancha and one in Andalusia. This storm is the deadliest disaster to strike Spain since 1973.  

Valencia Airport flooded: video 

The flooding impacted flights at Valencia’s Airport (VLC). Shocking video footage posted on X on October 30, 2024, showed the airport runway fully submerged in flood water. Additionally, the airport workers’ parking areas were flooded too.

On the same day Aena, the operator of VLC Airport, announced on X that there had been a total of 30 flight diversions and 49 cancellations. Many flights were scheduled to land at VLC were redirected to other cities in Spain, such as Barcelona and Alicante. 

Additionally, hundreds of travelers were stuck at VLC Airport due to flight disruptions. The day before the storm struck, a traveler took to X to share photographs of people sitting on the stairs and the floor at the airport.  

Operations at the airport resumed on October 31, 2024, but, according to the latest report from Levante, delays may still occur during the day.  

Carlos Mazón, the President of the Generalitat Valenciana, the governing institution of the Valencian Community, has revealed a support plan worth €250 million for the Valencian Community. Each person affected will get €6,000 in direct aid, along with transport discounts and assistance for home repairs. 

Valencia Consortium air assets scrambled for rescue operations 

The Spanish government has mobilized 1,065 Valencia Consortium troops from the Ministry of Defense, the Military Emergency Unit and the Spanish Armed Forces to help in the rescue and clean-up of the large number of affected populations in Valencia and Castilla-La Mancha regions. 

Many of the rescues, particularly on roads and in ravines, are being carried out by air using the consortium’s Airbus H215 and H135 helicopters. Additionally, air support from neighboring regions and other governmental services has been provided. 

According to La Vanguardia, the firefighters airlifted a family trapped in a residential area of Llombai. They also helped people struck on the roof of their car in Benicull de Xúquer and Riola, as well as those needing help in their flooded homes in Massanassa. 

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