Travelers heading to Lanzarote for the Easter holidays have faced significant disruptions as two major travel companies, Jet2holidays and TUI, announced cancellations due to severe flooding on the island. The Spanish authorities declared a state of emergency following torrential downpours that began over the weekend, leading to widespread damage in popular tourist areas.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO) issued a travel alert on Sunday, April 13, 2025, warning that parts of Lanzarote were experiencing power outages, mud-affected roads, and general service disruptions. The alert specifically mentioned that areas such as Costa Teguise, San Bartolomé, and Arrecife were particularly hard-hit by the floods.
Jet2holidays confirmed that a small number of hotels had informed them they could not accept new arrivals due to the adverse weather conditions. The company stated, "Due to the severe weather conditions affecting parts of Lanzarote, a small number of hotels have contacted us to inform us that they are temporarily unable to accept arrivals due to the impact of the adverse conditions." They reassured customers that their flight schedules were operating normally, although they had canceled all arrivals at BlueBay Lanzarote and Sands Beach Resort until April 15, and at Paradisus from Melia Salinas until April 19.
TUI also canceled holidays for Monday, April 14, and Tuesday, April 15, at several hotels, including TUI SUNEO El Trebol, HD Beach Hotel, and Paradisus by Melia Salinas. A spokesperson for TUI explained, "Due to the lack of alternative accommodation on the island during the busy Easter period we unfortunately had to cancel a small number of holidays departing yesterday and today." Customers were offered a full refund or the option to amend their bookings with a re-booking incentive.
The weather conditions in Lanzarote have prompted travelers to share their experiences on social media. Shocking images showed streets inundated with muddy water, swimming pools filled with brown sludge, and roads covered in thick muck. Many travelers reported only discovering their trips were canceled upon arriving at the airport, leading to frustration and confusion.
Enrique Espinosa, head of emergency services for the Lanzarote government, reported that emergency crews responded to approximately 300 calls overnight, particularly in the areas of Arrecife and Teguise. He noted that several homes experienced flooding, and the situation was exacerbated by the recent impacts of Storm Oliver. Fortunately, local authorities confirmed that there have been no reported injuries.
The state of emergency in the Canary Islands was lifted on Sunday morning, April 13, 2025, as the weather forecast began to improve. Spain's State Meteorological Agency predicted mostly cloudy or sunny conditions with a slight chance of rain and temperatures reaching up to 23°C in the coming days.
Despite the adverse conditions, Lanzarote remains a popular destination for tourists, particularly from the UK, drawn by its year-round warm weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant watersports scene. However, the recent flooding has raised concerns about the island's infrastructure and the ability of local services to cope during peak holiday periods.
As the travel industry navigates these challenges, both Jet2holidays and TUI are working diligently to assist affected customers. TUI's spokesperson emphasized, "As always, the safety of our customers and colleagues is our main priority, therefore TUI resort teams are working with the local authorities to find customers currently in impacted hotels, alternative accommodation, or return flights back to the UK."
For those already in Lanzarote or planning to travel, the Foreign Office advises following local authorities' guidance and monitoring weather updates closely. With the state of emergency now lifted, travelers remain hopeful for a swift return to normalcy on the island.
The recent events in Lanzarote serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of weather patterns and their potential impact on tourism, particularly during peak seasons. As travelers continue to flock to popular destinations, the industry must adapt to ensure safety and satisfaction in the face of natural challenges.
