Storm-steering reroutes and capacity caps return over the Alps and Northern Italy this week, with morning metering in Barcelona and Amsterdam and continued delays in Athens and Belgrade. Paris Charles de Gaulle remains on reduced runway capacity. Spain’s hubs stay busy, and brief weather risks persist in the Balearics and the Canaries.

34,800 flights expected across Europe at the start of the week. Thunderstorms and capacity measures focus on the Alps/Northern Italy early, then ease later each day. Isolated storms may develop over the Bay of Biscay and southern France in the afternoons.

Targeted reroutes are pre-planned to steer flows around weather over Northern Italy and adjacent sectors.

Declared constraints already flagged for parts of Spain, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Greece (details below).

Barcelona and Catalonia: Morning flow limits most days; a specific Barcelona-area routing cap is planned through late morning. Seville/Málaga sectors peak around lunchtime and early afternoon. Expect short, tactical delays rather than mass disruption.

Madrid upper sectors (Toledo, Pamplona): Measures foreseen for capacity—modest spacing on busy flows.

Balearics & Canaries (airport weather): Palma/Menorca risk thunderstorms at times; Gran Canaria breezy with occasional low cloud; Tenerife North may see fog patches overnight/early morning. Build in margin for knock-on delay.

UK side: Short UK flow measures are planned at times between Scottish and London airspace, plus Newcastle has several brief arrival restrictions overnight/early morning due to staffing. Gatwick has an arrivals “busy band” late morning/early afternoon.

Netherlands: Amsterdam morning arrivals regulated (low–moderate delays).

France: Multiple capacity/staffing limits in Reims area and Basel/Mulhouse TMA; Paris Charles de Gaulle continues with one runway out for works—occasional peak-time squeezes. Nice/Marseille face early capacity tuning. Brest sectors also capped briefly.

Switzerland: Geneva is running a new airport operating system with reduced arrival rate—expect periodic metering; Zurich flagging northeasterly winds with arrival management.

Greece: Ongoing staffing constraints—Athens and several islands (Chania, Heraklion, Kefalonia/Zakynthos) regulated through the day; allow extra time for Greek legs and connections.

Serbia: Belgrade airspace remains under ATC industrial action with about a 10% capacity cut; regulations are time-sliced across upper sectors—moderate knock-ons expected, especially in the afternoons/evenings.

Germany/Northern Italy corridor: Morning load-balancing over Karlsruhe/Munich upper sectors; Italy’s Milan/Rome areas pick up storm-driven spacing at times.

Portugal: Porto has night-time work-in-progress windows this week; Lisbon shows short high-demand pulses on arrivals.

Elsewhere: Vienna flags thunderstorm risk; Malta morning works windows; Cyprus (Larnaca) short arrival peaks.

Mon–Wed: Slow-moving low over N. Italy/Alps → heavy morning rain and thunderstorms in the Alpine arc; scattered storms building across Liguria/Tyrrhenian. Bay of Biscay showers feeding into S. France later. Clearer under high pressure over NW Europe. Jet-related medium/high-level turbulence bands run from SW France across Denmark to Finland.

Airports with noted risks in outlook include Palma/Menorca (storms), Milan area (thunderstorms), Paris Orly (gusts), Lisbon (gusts), Gran Canaria (strong winds).

UK–France Ferries & Eurotunnel: No weather stoppages expected this week, but services are extremely busy at peak times. Long queues possible at Dover, Calais, and Folkestone during Friday evening and Sunday returns.

UK–Spain Ferries (Portsmouth–Santander/Bilbao, Plymouth–Santander): Operating normally, though the Bay of Biscay may bring choppy conditions mid-week.

Spain Mainland–Canary Islands Ferries: Cádiz and Huelva departures remain fully booked on most sailings; boarding delays likely at weekends.

Eurostar & International Trains: Timetables running to schedule, but services are at or near full capacity on Friday and Sunday. Allow extra time for security and boarding.

Spain Rail (Renfe/Adif): AVE high-speed routes between Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Málaga remain in high demand. Overnight works on the Valencia–Tarragona line continue, affecting some late services.

The post Flight Information for Monday and Long-Distance Travel Forecast for Spain first appeared on N332 Travel Updates.

This week, we can expect a gradual return to typical weekday traffic patterns following the conclusion of the summer holiday period. However, major urban centres, particularly Barcelona, will see significant disruptions due to large-scale cultural festivals.

Commuter traffic is expected to be heavy during the morning and late afternoon rush hours, and there will be some localised congestion and diversions in areas with ongoing fiestas and events. Drivers should be mindful of these localised issues and plan their journeys accordingly, especially when travelling near major cities.

• Monday, 22nd September 2025
• Tuesday, 23rd September 2025
• Wednesday, 24th September 2025
• Thursday, 25th September 2025
• Friday, 26th September 2025
• The Weekend
• Next Week

The start of the working week will see the usual heavy commuter traffic in and out of major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville during the peak hours of 07:30 to 09:30 and 17:30 to 19:30.

In Barcelona, the city-wide Festes de la Mercè continue, with road closures and diversions expected in and around the city centre. Drivers should avoid the central areas if possible and use public transport.

Normal weekday traffic is anticipated. The Festes de la Mercè in Barcelona will continue to impact the city’s road network, with ongoing closures and diversions. Expect delays on major access roads into Barcelona, particularly the AP-7, B-10, and B-20.

In the La Rioja region, the Fiestas de San Mateo in Logroño will be underway, with potential minor delays and increased local traffic around the city centre.

A typical mid-week day for traffic, with commuter congestion in and around all major urban areas. The Festes de la Mercè in Barcelona reaches its peak today, which is a local public holiday, so traffic patterns may be slightly different with more people on the move for leisure purposes. Significant road closures and diversions are in place throughout Barcelona.

Standard weekday traffic will be the norm. Commuter flows will be heavy in the morning and afternoon. In Pamplona, Navarra, the San Fermín Txikito festival is taking place, which may cause localised road closures and diversions, particularly in the city centre. In Cartagena, Murcia, the Fiestas de Carthagineses y Romanos will be in full swing, which could cause minor delays on the A-30 and around the city itself.

The end of the working week, except for those in the service sector, amongst others, whom we salute, will see a significant increase in traffic volumes from the early afternoon, starting around 15:00, as people begin their weekend getaways.

This will coincide with the standard commuter rush hour, leading to prolonged periods of heavy congestion on major motorways exiting urban centres.

Expect delays on routes such as the A-3 heading out of Madrid towards Valencia, the AP-7 along the Mediterranean coast, and the A-4 towards Andalucía. The DGT will be monitoring these routes closely with additional traffic police patrols.

The weekend will see a continuation of the Fiestas de Carthagineses y Romanos in Cartagena, and the Feria de San Miguel in Seville, which will likely cause delays and road closures in both cities.

Expect a significant increase in traffic on Saturday morning as people travel to their leisure destinations, with potential congestion on roads leading to coastal areas and second homes.

On Sunday, from the late afternoon onwards, a large volume of returning traffic is expected on all major routes leading back into large cities. The DGT advises drivers to plan their journeys to avoid these peak return times, particularly between 18:00 and 21:00.

The general traffic situation is expected to return to more predictable weekday patterns, though there may still be some residual delays from the conclusion of the local festivals. The DGT will be focusing on monitoring the main urban access roads and key national motorways.

The post Barcelona is a Traffic Hot Spot this Week – Spain Traffic Forecast from 22 September first appeared on N332 Travel Updates.

This week in Spain will be generally calm and sunny, with temperatures remaining warm across the country. While the overall forecast is positive for driving, there are a few things to keep in mind, especially concerning road safety and the risk of wildfires. It’s a week for relaxed journeys, but as always, vigilance is key.

The start of the week, Monday and Tuesday, will be dominated by clear, sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. Driving conditions should be excellent, with dry roads and good visibility. However, with the warm, dry conditions, the risk of wildfires remains high, so it is crucial to be extra careful. Ensure all litter, especially smoking paraphernalia, is disposed of properly and do not throw anything from your vehicle.

By the middle of the week, on Wednesday and Thursday, a slight increase in cloud cover is expected in some regions, but the weather will remain largely stable. There is a small chance of a passing shower in some areas, so if you encounter any rain, remember to slow down. Road surfaces can become slick and greasy in the initial moments of a downpour, increasing braking distances. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front and use your headlights to improve visibility.

The end of the week, Friday, will see a return to mostly sunny conditions. Temperatures will be on the rise, so be prepared for warmer interiors in your vehicle. Make sure your air conditioning is working properly, and consider carrying water to stay hydrated on longer journeys.

Saturday will be another day of good driving weather, with clear skies and rising temperatures. The main risk to drivers will be the potential for increased traffic as people head out for weekend trips. Plan your journey, check for any roadworks or incidents before you leave, and be patient in any queues.

On Sunday, the weather is expected to be a mix of sun and clouds. While the risk of rain is low, it’s always wise to be prepared for unexpected changes. Continue to drive with caution, especially on less-familiar roads, and be mindful of other road users.

Next Week

Looking ahead, the forecast for the next week appears to be a continuation of the settled, sunny weather. Temperatures will remain warm, and the risk of rain is minimal. However, as the dry spell continues, the wildfire risk will also persist, so remain vigilant and follow all local guidelines.

The post Driving Weather in Spain: A Week of Sunshine and Caution first appeared on N332 Travel Updates.

Expect moderate to high traffic volumes across Spain this weekend, with significant congestion anticipated around major urban areas and event locations, particularly in Valencia, Madrid, and Barcelona.

The traffic situation will intensify from mid-afternoon, as DGT predicts a major ‘Operación Salida’ (weekend getaway) with vehicles heading away from cities towards coastal areas and popular tourist destinations.

High volumes are expected on motorways such as the A-3 (Madrid to Valencia), A-2 (Madrid to Barcelona), and the AP-7 along the Mediterranean coast. Delays are also probable in Valencia due to the GT2 European Series, which starts today and will cause increased traffic on local roads around the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.

Travellers heading from Spain to other European countries, particularly via France, should be aware of the ongoing strike action in France today, Thursday, which is expected to cause a ripple effect of delays and disruptions at border crossings and on major cross-border routes like the AP-7, which connects to the French A9.

Traffic will remain heavy in the morning, especially between 9 am and 1 pm, as the last of the weekend traffic makes its way out of the cities. Congestion is likely on routes serving popular beaches and mountain retreats.

In Valencia, the second day of the GT2 European Series will continue to impact local roads, especially around the circuit. In Madrid, the Jardín de las Delicias Festival will cause traffic disruption around the Complutense University campus, with high numbers of attendees arriving throughout the day and into the evening.

Likewise, in Logroño, La Rioja, the Fiestas de San Mateo will see an increase in local and regional traffic, with events like the ceremonial grape stomping attracting visitors and potentially causing delays.

The main traffic issue today will be the ‘Operación Retorno’ (return operation), with high volumes of vehicles returning to major cities. The most intense congestion is expected from the late afternoon and into the evening on the primary access routes to urban centres.

The A-3 (from Valencia), A-2 (from Barcelona), and the A-4 and A-5 motorways (to Madrid) are all likely to be affected. In addition to return traffic, the final day of the GT2 European Series in Valencia and the ongoing festivals in Madrid and Logroño will keep local road networks busy, with particular congestion anticipated as people leave these events.

Next week, traffic will return to its usual weekday patterns. However, significant traffic is expected in Barcelona from the 23rd of September, as the city celebrates its largest annual street party, the Festes de la Mercè. This will involve numerous road closures and diversions in the city centre.

Additionally, the Fiestas de Carthagineses y Romanos in Cartagena, Murcia, will continue to cause local traffic disruption as historical re-enactments take place throughout the week. Road users should also be mindful of several ongoing roadworks, including a project on the A-397 road linking Ronda with San Pedro Alcántara in Málaga, which remains partially closed.

The post Moderate to High Traffic (and ROMANS) Expected in Spain This Weekend first appeared on N332 Travel Updates.

Heading into the weekend, Spain is set for a transition in its driving conditions. While many areas will remain dry and sunny, there is an increasing risk of showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the northern and western regions, which could impact travel.

Drivers should be prepared for variable conditions, with some areas experiencing clear skies and others facing wet roads and reduced visibility. The wind will be relatively light across most of the country, but as always, it is important to be aware of the potential for gusts in more exposed areas, especially for high-sided vehicles.

As we move into Friday, a mix of cloud and sun is expected, with some showers developing in the north and west. These will make for slick road surfaces, so please remember to slow down and increase your braking distance.

Saturday brings a higher chance of rain in these regions, which could lead to localised flooding on some roads. Take extra care on bends and when approaching junctions.

By Sunday, the weather becomes more unsettled, with light rain expected across a broader area, particularly in the morning. This could be particularly impactful as many people are travelling back from weekend trips. Slowing down and being aware of standing water will be crucial for road safety.

Monday and Tuesday are expected to bring more settled conditions, with sunny skies and little chance of rain. This will provide a welcome break and should make for smooth driving.

By mid-week on Wednesday, the chance of showers increases again, although they are likely to be isolated. Drivers should be aware of the possibility of slippery roads and adjust their speed accordingly.

Towards the end of the week, conditions are expected to remain relatively stable, with a mix of sun and cloud and a low risk of precipitation.

The forecast for next weekend is for more of the same, with a mix of sun and cloud, and a continuing low risk of showers. While this should make for relatively pleasant driving conditions, it is always wise to be prepared for the possibility of a sudden downpour, especially in the late afternoon.

The post Autumn Showers and Unsettled Conditions on the Roads of Spain this Weekend first appeared on N332 Travel Updates.

France’s air traffic controllers have suspended their planned strike, now rescheduled for October, but other union action on 18 September may still disrupt travel. Spain faces high demand and military exercises, while Greece and Belgrade continue to struggle with delays. Rail and ferry services are crowded across the weekend.

The post French Strikes Still Set to Impact Travel from Thursday first appeared on N332 Travel Updates.

Blustery weather drives arrival restrictions at Heathrow and morning flow measures at Amsterdam on Monday, while Greek staffing and Serbia’s ATC industrial action keep the South-East axis tight. In Iberia, Lisbon’s ground-handling strike runs through today and Spain sees continued Adif works, including the Huelva–Zafra reopening. Military exercises in Portugal and the Canaries have low impact, but tactical reroutes are possible. Allow extra time for UK departures and check Spanish rail timetables before travelling.

Around 34,500 flights are planned across Europe today. UK winds and convective activity in Maastricht and Scandinavia are the main weather drivers.

Departures from the UK may face longer taxi-outs and airborne spacing, especially on connections into Madrid and Barcelona that interlink with Amsterdam and London flows. The Canary Islands are routine, with only low-level military airspace activations.

A ground-handling strike at Lisbon and other airports continues through today. Impact is low to medium but queues at check-in, baggage delays and slower turnarounds are possible.

Paris, Reims and Marseille airspace remain under capacity constraints. Combined with UK winds and Amsterdam convective showers, knock-on delays into western Germany are possible.

The post Windy Monday Set to Cause Flight Issues – Travel Update – Monday 15 September 2025 first appeared on N332 Travel Updates.

This week, traffic across Spain is expected to be moderate, following the end of the main summer holiday period. However, several significant local fiestas and sporting events will cause localised congestion, road closures, and diversions, particularly in urban areas and their immediate surroundings. Travellers should be aware of a public holiday in Cantabria and major festivals in Logroño and Barcelona, which will be the primary sources of disruption. Drivers are advised to check local DGT and police reports before travelling to these areas.

Today is a public holiday in Cantabria, celebrating Nuestra Señora de la Bien Aparecida. As a result, traffic around the region, particularly on routes leading to popular coastal and mountainous areas, is likely to be heavier than usual. Expect localised congestion on the A-67 (Autovía de la Meseta) and the N-634 (Cantabrian Highway). Furthermore, the annual grape harvest festival, Fiesta de San Mateo, begins in Logroño (La Rioja) and will continue throughout the week. This will lead to road closures and diversions within the city and on the main access routes, such as the A-12 (Autovía del Camino de Santiago) and the AP-68 (Autopista Vasco-Aragonesa).

With the working week in full swing, urban traffic will return to normal peak-hour levels, especially on the main ring roads and access routes of major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. In the Canary Islands, bus services in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura may be disrupted due to an indefinite strike, which could lead to increased private vehicle traffic and congestion, particularly on routes to and from the international airports on both islands.

The city of Melilla will be observing the Day of Melilla, a local holiday. While this is not expected to have a significant impact on the national road network, travellers in the autonomous city should anticipate some local disruptions. Construction and maintenance work continues to cause issues, with specific reports of roadworks on the N-340 and the A-7, particularly in the Alicante and Murcia provinces.

The DGT advises that the Fiesta de San Mateo in Logroño will continue to be a major source of congestion, particularly with evening events. Furthermore, the Fiestas de la Mercè in Barcelona begins, a major cultural festival that will cause extensive road closures and diversions across the city for several days. Traffic on major routes such as the AP-7, A-2, and B-20 leading into Barcelona will be significantly impacted, and drivers should seek alternative routes or use public transport where possible.

As we head into the weekend, the typical Friday afternoon exodus from major cities will be exacerbated by the ongoing fiestas. Heavy congestion is expected from midday onwards on routes leaving Madrid (A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, A-6), and Barcelona (AP-7, A-2). The Fiestas de la Mercè in Barcelona and the Fiesta de San Mateo in Logroño will reach their peak, causing significant disruption. The Jardín de las Delicias Festival also kicks off in Madrid, which will affect local traffic around the Complutense University campus.

The weekend will be particularly challenging for drivers. In Barcelona, the Fiestas de la Mercè will dominate the city’s traffic landscape, with extensive street closures for parades, concerts, and the famous ‘correfoc’ fire run. Traffic will be severely impacted throughout the city centre and its immediate surroundings. In Logroño, the Fiesta de San Mateo will continue to cause localised congestion. In Madrid, the Jardín de las Delicias Festival will generate heavy traffic on local roads around the Complutense University campus. The DGT recommends that anyone travelling to or through these cities on Saturday or Sunday should be prepared for significant delays and use public transport if at all possible. On Sunday, the return traffic from coastal and rural areas to major urban centres will create peak congestion in the late afternoon and evening.

Looking ahead to next week, traffic patterns are expected to settle back into their usual rhythm following the conclusion of the major festivals. However, the Fiestas de Santa Tecla in Sitges and the Fiestas de Carthagineses y Romanos in Cartagena will begin, and while these may not have a major impact on the national road network, they will cause localised disruptions in and around those specific towns.

The post Road Traffic Patterns Returning to Normal in Spain first appeared on N332 Travel Updates.

The week ahead across Spain is set to be largely dry and settled, with high temperatures and plenty of sunshine. However, this is expected to change towards the end of the week, with an increased chance of rain and a drop in temperatures. This shift in conditions will impact driving, so be prepared for a change from summer-like roads to more challenging autumnal conditions.

The start of the week, from Monday to Tuesday, will be dominated by clear skies and warm temperatures, with a very low chance of rain. Driving conditions will be excellent, but be mindful of the heat, which can lead to fatigue. It is also important to remember that with high temperatures and dry conditions, the risk of wildfires remains a serious concern. Always dispose of litter and smoking paraphernalia properly to avoid causing a devastating blaze.

Mid-week, Wednesday and Thursday, will see the heat continue and a slight increase in cloud cover, but no significant rainfall is forecast. Drivers should continue to be aware of the heat and the potential for fatigue, and to stay hydrated. The roads are likely to be busy during this period with the good weather encouraging travel, so be prepared for potential congestion, particularly around urban areas and popular tourist destinations.

Towards the end of the week, on Friday, the weather is set to turn. There is a chance of light rain and winds are expected to pick up. The change in conditions will be a factor for all road users. If you encounter rain, remember to slow down. The first rain after a long dry spell can make roads very slippery as it mixes with oil and rubber residue, so increase your braking distance and drive with extra caution.

On Saturday, there is an increased chance of light to moderate rain across the country, particularly in the northern and eastern regions. This will be accompanied by stronger winds. High-sided vehicles and those towing caravans should be extra careful, as the gusts can be unpredictable and may affect vehicle stability. All other drivers should give them plenty of space, especially when overtaking.

Sunday looks set to be the wettest day of the weekend, with a higher probability of rain and continued strong winds. Expect challenging driving conditions, including reduced visibility and a higher risk of aquaplaning. Once again, it is vital to slow down, increase your stopping distance, and ensure your headlights are on. Be aware of debris on the road from the wind, such as tree branches, and be vigilant for standing water.

Looking ahead to next week, the weather is expected to remain unsettled with a mix of sun and rain, and cooler temperatures. This will mean variable driving conditions, requiring continued vigilance and adaptability from all drivers.

The post A Clear Path Ahead: Your Driving Weather Guide for Spain first appeared on N332 Travel Updates.

Thunderstorms across southern France, northern Italy, Spain and central Europe will disrupt travel this weekend. Greece continues to face long delays from ATC shortages, while Belgrade remains under strike action. Ferries and trains are running, but all routes are heavily booked.

• General Flight Situation
• Flight Hotspots
  • United Kingdom and Ireland
  • Spain
  • France and Switzerland
  • Greece
  • Balkans
  • Italy and Central Europe
  • Weather Highlights
• Rail and Ferry Update

UK–Spain Ferries

UK–France Ferries & Eurotunnel

Spain Mainland–Canary Islands Ferries

Eurostar & International Rail

Spain Rail (Renfe & Adif)

The post Thunderstorms Could Delay Flights and Cause Rough Sea Crossings this Weekend! first appeared on N332 Travel Updates.