A series of extreme weather events including airport incidents, flooding, and wildfires have recently struck various parts of Europe, causing disruptions to travel, daily life, and prompting emergency responses.
Qatar Airways Incident During Athens Heatwave: Passengers Confined Without Cooling
On Monday, June 10, 2024, passengers aboard Qatar Airways flight QR204, scheduled to travel from Athens to Doha, experienced severe discomfort due to a prolonged delay on the tarmac at Athens International Airport. The incident involved approximately 49 Muay Thai athletes who had competed in the world championships, and other passengers. They were left inside the aircraft for three hours during an extreme heatwave, with outside temperatures reaching 39°C (102°F) and no functioning air conditioning.
The aircraft remained stationary on the runway, and the captain did not allow passengers to disembark despite the oppressive conditions. This situation led to serious health issues, including nosebleeds and breathing difficulties among the passengers, with some requiring oxygen masks. Video footage shared by sports therapist Garth Collins captured passengers using makeshift fans and standing without shirts to cope with the heat. Collins indicated that the water and soft drinks provided were inadequate to rehydrate the individuals.
Due to rising unrest, passengers were eventually permitted to leave the aircraft after 3.5 hours following a heated exchange with the flight crew. Smoke reportedly seen at the rear of the aircraft prompted airport officials to place fire trucks on standby.
Qatar Airways issued an apology stating that the delay was caused by a technical issue. Passengers had to wait an additional four hours in the terminal for hotel accommodations before the flight finally departed, reaching Doha at 10:34 AM local time on June 11.
Flooding in Spain Disrupts Travel and Daily Life
Recent severe storms have caused significant flooding in the southeastern region of Spain and the Balearic Islands, notably affecting Murcia and Majorca, popular tourist destinations. The intense downpours, part of Storm Tamara, led to submerged streets, stranded vehicles, and grounded flights at Palma Airport—100 out of 900 scheduled flights were impacted. The Meteorological State Agency reported dramatic rainfall, with 43.8 liters per square meter within a short period.
Footage of the floods showed streets turning into rivers, with emergency services responding to numerous calls for assistance. UK tourists expressed their frustration with the unpredictable weather, which diverted holiday plans.
Heavy Rainfall Causes Flooding Across South Florida
Persistent heavy rainfall in South Florida has led to severe flooding, particularly affecting Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties. The storms transformed streets into rivers, submerged vehicles, and seeped into homes, disrupting daily life and air travel at Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Governor Ron DeSantis declared an emergency, and warnings for continued flood risks were issued.
Attempts to navigate through floodwaters proved perilous, with local authorities urging residents to remain indoors.
Wildfires in Cyprus Prompt Emergency Response
A significant wildfire in Cyprus, exacerbated by ongoing heatwave conditions, led to the evacuation of five mountain villages in the Paphos region. Aircraft from Greece and Jordan assisted in firefighting efforts. As of Wednesday, June 12, the fire’s intensity had diminished, although concerns about rekindling remained. Cypriot authorities have cited illegal land fills as the potential source of the blaze, and measures were taken to mitigate further damage.
Rescue and containment operations continue, with officials monitoring weather conditions closely.
Early Heatwave in Greece
Greece is experiencing an unprecedented early heatwave, with temperatures soaring up to 43°C. The Athens Acropolis was closed during peak afternoon hours to protect tourists. Schools in several regions, including the capital, remained closed, and public-sector employees were advised to work from home. The extreme conditions prompted health warnings and emergency measures across the country.
