Aena has urged travelers to exercise caution and check flight status with airlines after Spain’s meteorological agency declared a red alert for torrential rains in parts of Valencia, Castellón, and Tarragona.
The warning is expected to cause significant disruption to air, rail, and road transport, with authorities advising people to avoid unnecessary travel.
The alert affects eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands, with the most severe conditions forecast for Monday and Tuesday (Sept. 29-30). Local governments in Valencia and surrounding municipalities have suspended classes, while emergency authorities in the region have raised their alert level to red due to the risk of flooding and storm damage.
Transport Authorities Issue Warnings
Aena, the airport operator, issued a statement on social media urging passengers to remain vigilant. “We recommend that you take extra precautions when traveling. If you are planning to fly, please check the status of your flight with your airline,” Aena stated in a post on X.
The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) asked drivers to avoid traveling from Sunday afternoon in the affected provinces, citing the risk of hazardous road conditions. Renfe, the state-owned rail operator, also warned of possible disruptions to train services in Valencia, Castellón, and Tarragona. It advised passengers to monitor updates closely as delays and cancellations could occur.
Severe Weather Forecast
The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) confirmed that eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands will face the heaviest rains. “Monday, the 29th, and Tuesday, the 30th, will be the most challenging days of this weather event. From early in the morning, we expect locally heavy or very heavy thunderstorms, which will persist throughout the day, affecting the Valencian Community, and spreading to other areas in the southeastern interior during the afternoon,” said Aemet.
The Generalitat Valenciana’s Emergency Coordination Center has issued a red alert specifically for the northern coast of Castellón and the entire coast of Valencia. As a precaution, Valencia city and several nearby towns, including Benetússer, Sedaví, and Alfafar, have suspended school activities.
Meanwhile, in Catalonia, regional president Salvador Illa appealed for vigilance. He urged “máxima precaución” as heavy rains threatened the region beginning Sunday. The warnings extend beyond the coastal provinces, with potential impacts expected across Aragón, Navarra, and La Rioja due to flood risks.
Flood and Safety Risks
The Ebro Hydrographic Confederation (CHE) warned of possible flash floods in small rivers and ravines in Aragón, Catalonia, Valencia, Navarra, and La Rioja. Emergency services are preparing for sudden rises in water levels that could affect both rural and urban areas.
Local authorities in the affected provinces are mobilizing resources to deal with potential evacuations, traffic interruptions, and damage to infrastructure. The storm system follows severe flooding events in late October that also forced closures and disrupted daily life in the Valencia region.
As Spain braces for two days of severe weather, transport operators, schools, and municipal governments continue to issue precautionary measures. Travelers are advised to remain alert for updates from airlines, train operators, and regional authorities while avoiding non-essential journeys until the red alert is lifted.
Update: IKEA has closed its Alfafar store due to a red alert issued by the forecast of potentially torrential rain. However, the Swedish furniture giant has left its elevated parking lot open, allowing residents of the surrounding towns to park their vehicles and remain safe from potential flooding.
Update (Monday, 11.50 am): Red alert weather conditions in Valencia led Manises Airport to apply operational restrictions on Monday, with two flights canceled by mid-morning. Aena confirmed that regulations were introduced to reduce traffic by spacing out arrivals and departures to ensure safety. Airlines, including Vueling and Iberia, suspended flights to Paris and Amsterdam, while EasyJet, Ryanair, Norwegian, and Lufthansa reported delays or disruptions on routes to London, Verona, Copenhagen, and Munich. See our latest Valencia news for more updates. Authorities warned that the situation remains highly changeable and further cancellations are possible throughout the day.
