The Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat airport experienced significant disruptions during the weekend of October 3 and 4, as heavy rains caused chaos in Catalonia. According to the Civil Protection service, there were 220 flight movements—both departures and arrivals—canceled on Saturday, followed by 165 more on Sunday. The severe weather, which prompted a red alert in parts of the region, led to numerous flight delays and affected all forms of transportation in and around Barcelona. Aena, the operator of Spanish airports, reported on Sunday that airlines had informed them of about 200 flight cancellations for that day, though it had not yet confirmed the exact number for Saturday. The company also noted that not all cancellations could be directly attributed to the weather conditions. According to Flightradar24, an operational tracking service, the airport recorded 247 cancellations and 510 delays on Saturday alone, with an additional 165 cancellations and 297 more delays on Sunday. While these figures may not match official reports, they highlight the extent of the disruption. The impact of the weather was not limited to flight cancellations. During intense thunderstorms, air traffic control services may temporarily reduce the number of flights and increase the distance between aircraft to ensure safety. This measure, while necessary, further complicated passenger travel to the airport. Flooded roads, train service interruptions, and disruptions to public transport made it difficult for travelers to reach the airport by land. The Red Cross reported helping approximately 800 people at El Prat airport, in addition to assisting thousands of others at Barcelona-Sants and Camp de Tarragona train stations. The situation at Barcelona-El Prat underscores its critical role in European air traffic, especially for flights within Europe, the Spanish domestic market, and the networks of airlines such as Vueling, Ryanair, easyJet, Iberia, and several international carriers. Even a short-term reduction in airport capacity can cause significant disruptions to flight schedules and crew rotations, with effects that may persist even after the rain has stopped. Passengers affected by cancellations should check the status of their flights through their airline. Under European regulations, passengers have the right to choose between a refund or a rebooking, along with reasonable assistance while waiting. However, airlines may not be required to offer fixed compensation if they can prove the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather. Regardless of compensation, airlines are still required to provide assistance, including food, accommodation if needed, and communication tools, during the wait.