Storm Charles causes flight cancellations and ferry suspensions across Portugal, Spain and France
Storm Charles has caused widespread flight cancellations, ferry suspensions and transport delays across Portugal, Spain and France. The disruptions occurred between 10 and 12 November 2026 and affect international visitors, cruise passengers and holidaymakers.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Flights cancelled, ferries suspended and roads flooded across Portugal, Spain and France
- Timing
- Disruptions took place between 10 and 12 November 2026
- Who is affected
- International air travellers, cruise passengers and holidaymakers in the affected regions
The details
- Takes effect
- between November 10 and 12, 2026
Scope of the disruptions
Storm Charles moved across southwestern Europe bringing heavy rain, strong winds and dangerous coastal conditions. The most severe impacts were recorded in Portugal, Spain and southern France, with secondary warnings issued for parts of northern Italy.
- Lisbon, Madrid, Cannes and Cádiz reported the highest levels of interruption
- Flooding affected streets, roads and some railway lines
- Coastal wind gusts reached 136 km/h at Funchal Airport
Air travel impact
Airports in the three countries experienced major operational difficulties. Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport logged 310 cancelled movements by the morning of 11 November, while Porto, Faro and Madeira together added another 50 cancellations. In Spain, Madrid‑Barajas recorded 155 flight cancellations on the same day. Nice Côte d’Azur in France cancelled at least two departures serving Lisbon and Madrid.
- Cancelled flights created uncertainty for connecting itineraries
- Airport transfers and scheduled sightseeing were disrupted
- Airlines issued limited re‑booking options during the storm
Maritime and ground transport impact
Maritime tourism suffered as strong winds halted ferry services and forced cruise ships to skip ports. In Madeira, three cruise calls (Iona, Le Dumont d’Urville and Vasco da Gama) were cancelled and inter‑island ferries between Funchal and Porto Santo were suspended. Spain saw ferry departures from Tarifa to Tangier cancelled on the afternoon of 11 November and selective services from Algeciras to Ceuta and Tangier Med interrupted. Road networks in Spain and France faced flooding, fallen trees and rockfall‑related closures, limiting regional travel.
- Cruise passengers missed scheduled port calls
- Ferry travelers between Spain and Morocco faced cancelled sailings
- Road users encountered flooded streets and temporary road closures
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with flights booked to or from Lisbon, Madrid or Nice should verify current schedules before departure
- Cruise itineraries that included Funchal, Cádiz or other affected ports may need to be adjusted
- Road trips in southern Spain or the French Riviera should allow extra time for possible detours
Cost and documents
- No additional fees are mentioned as a result of the storm disruptions
- Travel insurance policies covering weather‑related cancellations may become relevant
What you need to do
- Check airline communications for re‑booking options or refunds as soon as possible
- Monitor ferry operator notices for updated departure times or alternative routes
- Follow local authority updates on road conditions before driving in the affected areas
Who this affects
-
International air passengers
Flights at major airports in Portugal, Spain and France were cancelled during the storm
What to do Verify flight status and re‑book if necessary
-
Cruise ship passengers
Scheduled cruise calls at Funchal and Cádiz were cancelled because of hazardous sea conditions
What to do Contact cruise line for itinerary changes or refunds
-
Ferry travelers between Spain and Morocco
Ferry departures from Tarifa and selected services from Algeciras were suspended on 11 November
What to do Check ferry operator updates and consider alternative crossing points
-
Road travelers in southern France and Spain
Flooded roads, fallen trees and rockfalls caused temporary closures and restrictions
What to do Plan alternative routes and monitor local traffic alerts
-
Visitors to northern Italy
Orange‑level flood and hydrogeological warnings were issued for several regions
What to do Stay informed about local weather advisories and possible transport impacts
Frequently asked questions
What flights were cancelled by Storm Charles?
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport cancelled 310 movements, Porto 12, Faro 16 and Madeira 22; Madrid‑Barajas cancelled 155 flights, and Nice Côte d’Azur cancelled at least two departures serving Lisbon and Madrid.
Which ferry services were affected by the storm?
Ferry departures from Tarifa to Tangier were suspended on the afternoon of 11 November, and selected services from Algeciras to Ceuta and Tangier Med were also interrupted.
Did the storm impact road travel in France?
Yes, heavy rainfall caused flooding, road closures and rockfall‑related interruptions on the French Riviera, affecting regional driving and tourist transfers.
Are there any additional costs for travelers because of the storm?
The report does not mention any new fees; however, travelers may need to consider costs related to re‑booking flights or using alternative transport.
What should travelers do before heading to the affected areas?
Check the latest airline and ferry operator communications, monitor local road and weather alerts, and ensure travel insurance covers weather‑related disruptions.
