Lanzarote Airport Delays: What You Need To Know

Lanzarote Airport, also known as César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport, is one of Spain's busiest airports. While it is generally well-regarded, with travellers praising its size and ease of navigation, it has experienced some delays and diversions. Strong winds can cause issues, leading to wind shear and unsafe landing conditions. In one instance, 25 aircraft were diverted to other airports, causing significant disruptions and leaving passengers stranded without information or amenities. However, these issues are not common, and the airport has implemented measures to improve the travel experience, such as the Oli chatbot, which provides real-time information and facility guidance.

Wind conditions and geographical location

Lanzarote Airport is located on the Canary Island of Lanzarote, which is geographically remote from Europe. The airport experiences strong winds that can cause wind shear, making landing dangerous. During periods of high wind, flights may be diverted to other airports such as Fuerteventura or Gran Canaria. The remote location of the island means that crews are often close to their maximum permitted flying time when they arrive, and airlines may struggle to draft new crews or aircraft from nearby areas.

The geographical location of Lanzarote Airport presents challenges when it comes to managing flight diversions and ensuring that crews do not exceed their maximum permitted flying time. The airport's remote setting can make it difficult to quickly draft in additional resources, such as new crews or aircraft, which could contribute to delays in flight schedules.

Strong wind conditions at Lanzarote Airport can create safety concerns during landing and take-off. Wind shear, which occurs when there are strong and gusting winds, can make it difficult for aircraft to land safely. In such cases, flights may be diverted to alternative airports to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

To mitigate the impact of wind shear and improve landing conditions at Lanzarote Airport, several measures can be considered. One option is to extend the runway significantly, providing more space for aircraft to safely approach and land. Another possibility is to construct an additional runway that intersects with the existing one, offering a different angle for landings and take-offs. However, these solutions may not be proportionate responses, given that strong winds do not affect the airport on a regular basis.

The combination of geographical location and wind conditions can create unique challenges for Lanzarote Airport. The remote setting can amplify the impact of adverse wind conditions, leading to flight diversions and potential delays. However, by implementing effective contingency plans, improving passenger communication, and exploring alternative solutions, the airport can strive to minimise disruptions and ensure a smoother travel experience for its passengers.

Flight tracking and status updates

Flight Tracking Applications

Dedicated flight-tracking applications, such as Flightradar24, offer a comprehensive view of flight operations at Lanzarote Airport. These apps provide live updates on arrivals and departures, including any delays or changes to the schedule. They may also offer additional features, such as airport traffic analysis, flight route maps, and historical flight data.

Airline Websites and Apps

Major airlines typically provide online resources and mobile applications that allow passengers to track their flights. These platforms offer real-time updates on the status of specific flights, including any delays, cancellations, or gate changes. They may also provide check-in options, seat selection, and other travel-related services.

Lanzarote Airport Website and Social Media

The official website of Lanzarote Airport, managed by Aena, offers a wealth of information for travellers. While they don't seem to provide live flight tracking, they do offer details on airport operations, facilities, and services. They also provide contact information and links to their social media channels, which can be valuable sources of up-to-date information, including any unexpected delays or issues.

Third-Party Travel Websites

Third-party travel websites, such as Skyscanner, provide a user-friendly interface for tracking flights and obtaining status updates. These platforms often aggregate data from multiple sources, offering a comprehensive view of flight operations at Lanzarote Airport. They may also provide additional tools, such as price comparisons, alternative flight options, and user reviews.

Direct Airline Communication

In cases of significant delays or disruptions, airlines typically communicate directly with passengers. They may send email or text notifications, update their websites and apps, or make announcements at the airport. It is crucial for travellers to provide accurate contact information during the booking process to ensure they receive these important updates.

Staying informed about flight status and potential delays is crucial for a smooth travel experience. By utilising these various sources of information, travellers can proactively manage their itineraries and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a stress-free journey through Lanzarote Airport.

Airport facilities and amenities

Lanzarote Airport, also known as César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport, is a busy airport with over 4.8 million seats available during the 2024-2025 winter season. The airport has one terminal with a exclusive departures area on the first floor.

The airport can be reached by car, taxi, or by taking the line that links the airport to the city. The airport recommends that passengers arrive at least two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours before a long-haul flight.

There are shops and restaurants available at the airport, although it has been reported that there are limited options for buying food and drink during disruptions. The airport also turns off the air conditioning at midnight.

The airport has implemented an Oli chatbot available in eight languages to provide real-time information on flights and services and to guide users through the facilities using AenaMaps.

Check-in and boarding processes

The check-in and boarding process at Lanzarote Airport can vary depending on your airline and the type of flight (short-haul or long-haul). It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for short-haul flights and three hours before for long-haul flights. Online check-in is available for some airlines, but it is still advised to arrive at the airport with ample time to drop off bags and collect boarding passes if needed.

The airport itself is a nice size and easy to navigate, with friendly and helpful staff. However, due to a high volume of flights, it can become very crowded, especially in the boarding areas. Queues for gates can be long and often block walkways, making it difficult to move through the airport. It is advised to keep updated on the status of your flight and gate number, as well as any potential delays, through the live flight tracker on the Lanzarote Airport website or via their app.

In the case of strong winds or unfavourable weather conditions, flights may be diverted to alternative airports such as Fuerteventura or Gran Canaria. This can cause delays and disruptions to the check-in and boarding processes, as well as impact the availability of crews and aircraft. It is important to stay informed by checking with your airline and the airport for the latest updates during such events.

To ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process, it is recommended to follow the advised arrival times, stay updated on any weather-related disruptions, and utilise online check-in and boarding pass options where possible.

Diversions and contingency plans

Firstly, it is crucial to address the issue of communication. During periods of disruption, airlines must promptly deploy representatives to the airport to provide passengers with timely updates and ensure they are aware of the latest developments. This can help alleviate passenger concerns and reduce uncertainty during unexpected delays.

Secondly, establishing a central control or coordination point on the island is vital. This entity would be responsible for efficiently liaising with local hotels and accommodation providers to secure rooms for stranded passengers. By taking a proactive approach and maintaining close communication with accommodation partners, the impact of diversions on passengers can be minimised.

Additionally, contingency plans should include provisions for basic amenities at the airport. Ensuring the availability of food and drinks, as well as maintaining a comfortable temperature by keeping the air conditioning operational, are essential considerations during extended delays. Implementing backup measures, such as drafting emergency staff for concessions and overriding automatic shutdowns, can significantly improve the overall passenger experience.

Furthermore, it is important to recognise the unique challenges posed by Lanzarote's geographical location. As the island is geographically remote from mainland Europe, flight crews may be nearing their maximum permitted flying time upon arrival. In such cases, it becomes crucial to have contingency measures in place, such as having backup crews or aircraft on standby, to minimise potential disruptions.

While extending or adding runways could be a long-term solution to mitigate the impact of wind shear, implementing the aforementioned contingency measures can significantly improve how diversions and delays are managed at Lanzarote Airport.

Frequently asked questions