Ibiza Airport Delays: What You Need To Know

Ibiza Airport is an international airport in Spain, serving the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Formentera. The airport experiences delays, with 17 flights delayed by over 3 hours and 14 cancellations out of 4661 flights tracked. Delays can be caused by incidents, such as a runway blockage due to a plane tyre explosion, or weather conditions. During the summer, the airport becomes busy, so passengers are advised to allow ample time for check-in.

Delays caused by runway incidents

Ibiza Airport (IBZ) is an international airport located on the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Formentera in Spain. The airport is situated 7km southwest of Ibiza Town. As a major European holiday destination, it can become very busy during the summer months, and passengers are advised to allow ample time for check-in.

Ibiza Airport has experienced delays caused by various runway incidents. On September 16, 2023, a runway incident involving a Lufthansa passenger plane resulted in significant disruptions. The plane's tire exploded upon landing, blocking the runway until at least 8:00 pm. This caused delays and cancellations for numerous flights, impacting travellers, including those from the UK.

In another incident on June 19, 2023, a firefighting plane blocked the runway while landing, causing over 20 cancellations and 17 diversions to other airports. This led to a chaotic situation, with passengers reporting delays of over 12 hours and a lack of information from airlines.

Additionally, historical data from November 2024 indicates that Ibiza Airport tracked 4661 flights, with 17 flights delayed by more than 3 hours and 14 flights cancelled.

These runway incidents at Ibiza Airport have resulted in significant disruptions, affecting travellers' plans and causing extended waiting times. It is advisable for passengers to stay updated on their flight status and allow for potential delays when using this airport.

Delays caused by severe weather

Ibiza Airport is an international airport in Spain, serving the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Formentera. It is a busy airport, particularly during the summer months, and passengers are advised to allow plenty of time for checking in.

Ibiza Airport is susceptible to delays caused by severe weather. In September 2023, for example, severe weather was forecast across mainland Spain, causing flight delays at Ibiza Airport. In addition to weather-related delays, other factors such as runway incidents and increased passenger traffic during the summer can also contribute to flight disruptions at the airport.

When severe weather conditions are expected, it is advisable to check the status of your flight before departing for the airport. This can be done through various online platforms that provide live updates on flight arrivals and departures, helping travellers stay informed about any delays or cancellations. It is also recommended to follow the advice of allowing extra time when travelling during peak seasons or busy periods to account for potential delays caused by severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Severe weather can cause delays at Ibiza Airport in several ways. Strong winds, heavy rainfall, or lightning storms can impact the safe operation of aircraft, leading to delayed departures and arrivals. Low visibility due to fog or heavy clouds can also disrupt flight schedules, as pilots may need to adjust their approach or divert to alternative airports. In some cases, severe weather may cause temporary closures of the airport until conditions improve and it is safe for aircraft to operate again.

During severe weather events, it is important for passengers to stay updated on the status of their flights. Delays caused by weather conditions can have a knock-on effect on subsequent flights, leading to further disruptions. Passengers should also be aware of their rights in the event of extended delays, which may include access to refreshments, accommodation, or compensation, depending on the circumstances and the length of the delay.

How to check the status of your flight

Ibiza Airport is a busy international airport in Spain, serving the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Formentera. With a high volume of passenger traffic, it is important to keep an eye on the status of your flight to and from this airport. Here is a guide on how to do that:

Before your trip:

It is advisable to look up the Minimum Connection Time (MCT) for your flight before booking, especially if your route has a connecting flight. Knowing the MCT is also essential if you need to make a claim for a missed connection. The MCT for Ibiza Airport is:

• 30 minutes between domestic flights
• 45 minutes between domestic and international flights
• 45 minutes between international flights

On the day of your flight:

To check the status of your flight on the day of departure, you can use a flight tracker. These are usually available on airline or airport websites, or you can use third-party applications. Some sources for flight tracking include:

• FlightAware
• Ixigo
• FlightStats

Information you will need:

To track your flight, you will need to know your flight number and the date of your journey. If you don't know the flight number, you can usually find it in a confirmation email or by searching for flights on that route and identifying yours by its timing information.

Information you will receive:

A flight tracker will provide real-time updates on your flight's arrival and departure times, including any delays or cancellations. It will also give you information on the airport and terminal, as well as your check-in counter and boarding gate details.

Other considerations:

Keep in mind that several factors can affect your flight's schedule, such as weather conditions, traffic control, or technical issues. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check for updates regularly, especially as you get closer to your departure date.

Additionally, remember that Ibiza Airport can get very busy during the summer months, so it is recommended to allow for plenty of time when checking in and to remain patient.

Transport options to and from the airport

Ibiza Airport is located 7 km southwest of downtown Ibiza and serves the islands of Ibiza and Formentera, two of Spain's Balearic Islands. While the airport is on the smaller side, it can become very busy during the summer months, so passengers are advised to allow ample time for check-in and boarding.

By bus

Line 10 buses connect Ibiza Airport with Ibiza Town, with buses running every half hour. The bus stop is located just outside the arrivals hall, and the journey to the town takes approximately 20 minutes. Line 24 and Line 9 buses also serve the airport.

By taxi

Taxis are readily available at the airport, with the taxi rank located outside the arrivals hall. Taxi fares are metered, and prices can vary depending on your destination. During peak travel seasons, such as mid-July to mid-September, the queues for taxis can be very long.

By shuttle or private transfer

Several companies offer shuttle and private transfer services to and from Ibiza Airport. These services can be booked in advance, providing a convenient and comfortable way to travel to and from the airport. Private transfers can accommodate different group sizes, with vehicles ranging from standard cars to coaches. Shuttle services are usually shared with other passengers and may include multiple stops.

By car

Car rental services are available at Ibiza Airport, allowing travellers to explore the island independently. However, it is important to note that road signs are in Catalan, the local language, so some place names may differ from their Spanish equivalents.

By ferry

For those coming from the mainland or Ibiza Town, a ferry service is available to reach the island of Ibiza and Formentera. To get to the harbour from the airport, travellers can take a taxi or the bus.

What to do if your flight is delayed

Ibiza Airport is currently experiencing low and decreasing delays. If you are flying from Ibiza Airport and your flight is delayed, here is a list of things you can do:

Stay Updated

Keep yourself informed by checking information boards and asking check-in staff for updates. Ask fellow passengers if they have any information, and check the airline's website and app, or flight-tracking websites like Flight Radar. If all else fails, tweet the airline directly for assistance.

Know Your Passenger Rights

If you are flying within the European Union, you are covered by EC 261 regulations, which entitle you to compensation and assistance for delays over three hours. The UK has a similar regulation called 'UK 261', which ensures that airlines provide assistance in the form of food and drink vouchers for delays of two hours or more. If delayed overnight, the airline must provide accommodation.

Rebooking Options

Ask the airline staff about rebooking options, as they may be able to accommodate you on a new flight at no extra cost, if available. If you booked through a travel agency, contact them directly, as they may also be able to help. If the delay is the airline's fault, they may be able to rebook you at no extra cost.

Keep Receipts and Documentation

In the event of a delay, keep all receipts and documentation, as you may need them to claim compensation later. Your travel insurance may require receipts to cover any expenses incurred due to the delay. Keep a timeline of delays and record how you were treated by customer service staff, as well as what you were offered at the airport.

Claim Compensation

Don't forget to claim your compensation! Under UK and EU law, you can claim compensation for flight delays that occurred up to three years ago, as long as you have the required documentation. You can approach a specialist flight delay compensation company to make the claim on your behalf for a small fee. The amount of compensation owed depends on the length of the delay and the distance of your flight.

Frequently asked questions