Extreme heat alert in Spai. Photo: Shutterstock The world's largest airport operator by passenger volume, which manages 46 airports and 2 heliports in Spain, AENA, has issued a travel advisory after the national weather agency declared widespread red and high-level alerts for extreme heat and storms across multiple regions, including areas affecting airport operations.
The warning comes as the Spanish State Meteorological Agency AEMET placed large parts of the country under “extraordinary danger” conditions, with temperatures forecast to reach between 39°C and 43°C in several inland and southern zones. The alerts also include storm risk in northern regions later in the day, with potential for strong wind gusts and hail.
In a statement shared through official channels, Aena confirmed that adverse weather conditions are already impacting airport operations in parts of Spain, including Melilla Airport, where passengers were advised to expect possible disruptions. Travelers have been urged to check with airlines before heading to the airport and to allow extra time for their journeys.
Photo: Shutterstock
The combination of extreme heat and localized storm activity has prompted increased monitoring across Spain’s airport network. While no widespread cancellations have been announced, authorities warn that operational delays remain possible due to safety protocols, runway conditions, and staff adjustments during peak temperature hours.
AEMET’s red alert zones include several high-density travel and tourism areas, where temperatures are expected to peak during afternoon hours. Officials have warned that in some locations, heat levels could exceed standard thresholds, increasing risks for passengers, ground crews, and airport infrastructure exposed to direct sun.
In the Basque Country interior, parts of Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia are under exceptional danger warnings, with temperatures expected to reach around 40°C and possibly up to 43°C in localized zones.
In Andalusia, the Campiña Cordobesa in Córdoba and the Valle del Guadalquivir in Jaén are both expected to climb to around 41–42°C, making them some of the hottest areas in the country.
Further east, in Aragón, areas such as the Ribera del Ebro in Zaragoza and the Bajo Aragón in Teruel are forecast to reach around 40–41°C, with slightly higher local spikes possible during peak afternoon hours.
In Castilla-La Mancha, the Valle del Tajo in Toledo and surrounding La Mancha areas are also expected to surpass 40°C, with peaks up to around 41°C in some valleys.
In Extremadura, the Vegas del Guadiana and La Siberia zones in Badajoz are forecast to reach around 40°C, contributing to widespread inland heat stress.
Even parts of Catalonia, such as the Depressió Central of Lleida, are expected to exceed 40°C, with local peaks near 41–42°C in sheltered inland areas.
The situation is part of a broader early-summer heatwave affecting much of southern Europe, with Spain among the countries experiencing the most intense conditions. Authorities expect alerts to remain in place for at least the next 24 to 48 hours, depending on evolving weather patterns.
For now, travelers passing through Spanish airports are being advised to plan ahead, monitor updates, and prepare for potential schedule changes as the country remains under one of the most severe heat warnings of the season.