Eurowings flight aborts landing in Palma amid severe storm conditions

Severe winds from Storm “Nils” caused significant disruption in Mallorca on 12 February, including a dramatic aborted landing at Palma de Mallorca Airport involving Eurowings flight EW7580 from Hamburg.

During final approach, the Airbus A320 aircraft, tail number 9H-EWB, was visibly destabilised by strong crosswinds and turbulence. Video footage shows the plane rocking from side to side and banking sharply just before touchdown, at one point appearing at risk of tipping. The crew initiated a standard go-around manoeuvre, climbing away from the runway before diverting safely to Valencia Airport.

A passenger on board described a sudden drop shortly before landing, followed by aggressive lateral tilting that caused panic in the cabin, with some passengers screaming. According to her account, the captain later characterised the situation as unusually challenging, citing invisible wind shear and turbulence more severe than conditions he had encountered in previous extreme weather operations.

After landing safely in Valencia, passengers remained on the tarmac for approximately three hours due to ground handling constraints and baggage re-sorting. Four passengers opted to disembark there. The flight continued to Mallorca later that day.

The storm also triggered wider transport disruption across the Balearic Islands. Around 18 flights at Palma were delayed, and several previous services had been cancelled or diverted. Ferry operator Baleària cancelled multiple routes between Ibiza, Formentera, Alcúdia and Ciutadella. Emergency services recorded more than 260 weather-related incidents across Mallorca, including fallen trees, debris and structural hazards.

No injuries were reported in connection with the flight incident.