FLIGHTS to popular Balearic Islands destination were nearly derailed as flames consumed the surrounding area and caused emergency fire prevention protocals.
Travellers at Son Sant Joan Airport (Palma de Mallorca) were in for a shock when authorities issued a fire protection plan due to a nearby fire.
The blaze first went up at MercaPalma around 3pm on Monday afternoon, sending a towering plume of black smoke across the Bay of Palma as holidaymakers continued to arrive on the island.
Reports indicate that several heavy goods vehicles were engulfed in flames before spreading to dry vegetation towards the entrance of the Son Banya settlement.
Videos shared from Monday afternoon show a pitch-black sky filled with smoke and growing flames.
Despite the fire’s proximity to the airport, flights continued to both depart and land as usual.
However, Aena firefighters and Palma emergency crews were called to tackle the flames which are said to have destroyed at least six trucks, two trailers and an abandoned car park with around 20 vehicles.
Residents of the Son Banya area were told to remain indoors until the fire was put out.
Although no serious injuries were reported, two firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion and one resident suffered from an anxiety attack.
Police are now looking into the cause of the fire.
Palma de Mallorca (PMI) is consistently Spain’s third-busiest airport, handling around 33 million annual passengers and being considered one of the Mediterranean’s most important travel hubs.
During peak summer months PMI is expected to carry flight movements on a comparable level to London Heathrow, flying around 12,000 passengers an hour.
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