The roof at Majorca's Son Sant Joan International Airport partially collapsed in the baggage claim area earlier today, sending debris and glass across the floor. No injuries were reported as vending machines in the arrivals hall absorbed most of the impact, according to police who cordoned off the area.
Large amounts of dust reduced visibility inside the terminal temporarily. Airport workers described it as a “miracle” that no one was seriously hurt. Spanish airports authority AENA attributed the collapse to debris from ongoing construction work, which fell onto a glass roof near the baggage claim entrance.
The incident occurred as the airport, the third busiest in Spain and 14th in Europe, reported a record 33.3 million passengers in 2024 – a 7% increase from the previous year. Protests against overtourism took place across Spain in May, with campaigners citing environmental and housing pressures from excessive visitors.
British tourist numbers to Mallorca fell to 18,874 in February 2024, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin. AENA spokesman said: “People in charge of the airport are already analysing what happened in order to adopt the appropriate measures and to determine responsibilities if necessary.”
One English-speaking witness was overheard saying: “Oh my God” as dust rose from the collapsed roof. Local sports reporter Juan Antonio Bauza called Palma Airport “the worst in Spain” in a social media post, adding: “I imagine someone will have to assume responsibility for this.”
In January, a falling panel and weather conditions caused dust to enter the terminal, prompting complaints. One worker said at the time: “Neither employees or passengers could breathe and many people were slipping because of the dust on the ground.”
