Waves during storm. Photo: Shutterstock Extreme weather continues to disrupt aviation activity in Europe. Storm Charles, which hit Portugal on Wednesday, November 11, has led to the cancellation of hundreds of takeoffs and landings at four of the country's main airports, including Lisbon International Airport, a major gateway for tourists from around the world.
According to official figures released by ANA Aeroportos de Portugal, which operates the country's airports, as of 11:00 a.m. Portuguese time, 360 scheduled aircraft movements had been canceled. The figure includes cancellations made by airlines in advance, along with additional cancellations recorded during airport operations.
Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon was hit hardest, with 310 of 565 scheduled aircraft movements canceled. Of these, 288 were canceled in advance by the airlines and 22 more during operating hours.
Madeira Airport also experienced significant disruptions. Of the 80 aircraft movements scheduled for today, 20 were canceled in advance and two more were canceled during operations. As of 11:00, no takeoffs or landings had taken place at the airport, underscoring the impact of weather conditions on one of Portugal's most prominent holiday destinations.
At Faro Airport, a major gateway to the popular Algarve resort area in the south of the country, 16 aircraft movements were canceled, while Porto Airport recorded 12 cancellations.
The flight disruptions are part of a widespread weather system affecting Portugal and the island of Madeira. The Portuguese Institute for the Ocean and Atmosphere (IPMA) issued a special update today stating that Storm Charles has moved north of the Madeira archipelago and split into two separate low-pressure areas, a development that has changed its track and predicted intensity.
According to the update, the storm is expected to continue to affect mainland Portugal with continuous rainfall, at times with high intensity, and winds that may reach gusts of 70 to 90 km/h in the southern regions, and in exposed places along the coast and in mountainous areas even up to 110 km/h.
At the same time, the meteorological service issued marine warnings against strong winds, limited visibility and rough seas, with high waves in the Madeira region and along the coast of Portugal.
Despite a slight weakening in wind strength compared to previous forecasts, authorities emphasize that the risk of heavy precipitation and severe weather conditions still requires vigilance.
Airport operator ANA is urging passengers with flights scheduled for today to check flight status directly with the airline before leaving for the airport. The company emphasizes that in addition to disruptions to takeoff and landing schedules, possible restrictions on airport access due to the weather should also be taken into account.
ANA said that it continues to monitor developments in coordination with the relevant authorities and entities, and that activities will be adjusted to weather conditions and developments on the ground