Part of a false ceiling collapsed at Palma Airport on Tuesday morning, 20 October, after heavy rain associated with Storm DANA Adam caused water to leak into an internal corridor. The incident has raised fresh concerns among airport workers about rain-related problems inside the terminal complex while renovation works continue.

The collapse occurred at around 08:00 in a corridor serving an office and storage area, close to National Police workrooms and rest areas used by employees of Eurowings, South and Swissport.

Aena confirmed that part of the plasterboard ceiling had fallen and that water had entered the building. The affected area was cordoned off for safety while repairs were arranged.

Acciona removes fallen material and begins repairs

Aena said the incident involved a partial collapse of a plasterboard false ceiling in an internal corridor. The airport operator also confirmed that water had leaked through a joint in the affected area.

Acciona, the company responsible for works being carried out at the airport, removed the fallen material and began repairing the joint through which the water had entered.

The affected section was closed off while the work was under way. The available reports do not establish whether the incident was caused by a defect in the ceiling, a problem with the renovation work or another structural or maintenance issue.

Workers warn of the potential danger

The incident prompted concern among airport employees, particularly because the collapse occurred in an area used by staff.

Workers speaking to Mallorcadiario described the possible consequences if someone had been passing beneath the ceiling when it fell. “It could have killed someone,” they said.

Employees also told Última Hora that rain-related leaks were not new at the airport. They described moving planters when it rains to prevent water from dripping onto the floor.

Workers raised particular concerns about passengers from outside the European Union who use the nearby Tax Free office to process VAT refunds on purchases. The reports do not establish that any passengers were injured or directly affected by the collapse.

The accounts reflect employees’ concerns about safety and recurring water ingress. They do not, by themselves, establish the cause of the ceiling failure or demonstrate that the airport operator or contractors breached safety requirements.

Incident comes amid airport renovation works

The collapse occurred while renovation works are continuing at Palma Airport. The airport has previously undertaken major refurbishment of terminal infrastructure, including ceiling-related works in parts of the building.

However, the precise relationship between the current renovation programme and Tuesday’s incident has not been established. Aena confirmed the fallen ceiling section and the safety measures taken, but the information available does not include a technical investigation identifying the cause.

The immediate response was to remove the fallen material, repair the leaking joint and restrict access to the affected corridor until the work could be completed.

DANA Adam caused widespread disruption across the Balearic Islands

The incident took place during the period of intense rainfall and thunderstorms associated with DANA Adam, which affected Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera over several days.

On Sunday, 18 October, Aena reported 64 flight cancellations and 16 diversions across Palma and Ibiza airports because of the severe weather. At Ibiza Airport, operations were temporarily suspended during two periods while staff dealt with heavy rain and water removal in parts of the airfield.

The storm also caused flooding and other incidents across the islands. The Balearic Government reported hundreds of emergency incidents during the wider episode, including flooding in buildings and roads and fallen urban elements.

The ceiling collapse at Palma Airport was a separate incident within this broader period of severe weather.

Safety concerns remain as repairs continue

Aena’s stated response was to cordon off the affected area for safety and arrange repairs through Acciona. The available information does not confirm how long the corridor remained closed or whether a wider inspection of similar ceiling sections was ordered.

The incident has renewed questions among airport workers about the management of water leaks during heavy rain, particularly in areas used by staff and passengers.

For now, the confirmed facts are that part of a false ceiling fell, water entered the corridor, the affected area was restricted and repair work began. The cause of the collapse and whether any broader safety measures will follow have not been established in the information available.