Holidaymakers 'cancelling Tenerife breaks' amid wild weather and 'airport chaos'

Many people have branded Tenerife South Airport as 'chaos' (stock image)(Image: DESIREE MARTIN, AFP via Getty Images)

Many people book a holiday to Spain for some much-needed sunshine, however some are now choosing to cancel their trips as Storm Therese is currently causing chaos across the Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife and La Palma.

The storm is currently delivering an unusual combination of heavy rain, 100 km/h (62 mph) winds, and substantial snow at high altitudes. Authorities have declared a full-scale emergency in Tenerife, describing it as one of the most severe storms to hit the archipelago in over a decade. Spain's meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued several alerts that will stay active throughout the weekend. Orange (high risk) warnings have been dispatched for northern Tenerife and parts of La Palma due to wind gusts reaching 90–100 km/h and heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, yellow warnings are in effect across all seven islands for rain, thunderstorms, and choppy seas with waves reaching up to 6 metres (20 feet).

Unusually for this time of year, significant snowfall has also covered Mount Teide and surrounding peaks above 1,800–2,000 metres.

The weather drama has caused many Tenerife tourists to admit they 'can't wait' to get home.

One Tenerife resident, known as @theknightstrider1 on TikTok, took to his account on Saturday (March 21) to discuss the 'wild' weather in the area.

The car hire and bar owner filmed himself as he said: "The Tenerife weather is just wild at the moment. It's on for another at least four days this crazy weather. He explained the Santa Cruz de Tenerife area had just experienced a "torrential downpour", but then he turned the other way to reveal "blue skies with the sun shining". However, he noted, within the next minute, the rain is "bouncing down" again.

The Tenerife resident also mentioned the drains "just can't handle" the rainfall and they end up "bursting up" fairly regularly.

He continued: "The good news is, it is mixed. I suppose that's kind of good news, you can get a bit of sunshine, but it was absolutely hammering it down a minute ago.

"So there you go, another four days or so of this. If you're here, expect a mixed bag - heavy rain, a bit of sunshine now... towards Las Americas looks alright. But you're going to want to do your indoor activities."

He stated when the sun is out, it's "about 22 degrees", but it's "around 18 degrees" in the shade, the rain and the wind.

Numerous followers amongst his 115,000-strong audience who were heading on Tenerife holidays confessed they were concerned about their break.

One person commented: "When will it be finished? We come Friday."

Whilst another added: "Praying it passes by Tuesday."

A third chimed in: "I'm coming Monday, really hope it picks up!"

Nevertheless, others admitted they were calling off their breaks as the Tenerife resident posted another clip of the rainfall, with one person writing: "We cancelled our week away at the last minute."

Another replied: "Snap – we've rebooked for April 12 onwards." The storm has resulted in widespread cancellations and safety shutdowns across the islands. Over 40 flights were cancelled or diverted by Friday, 20 March, mainly at Tenerife North and South airports. Travellers are urged to verify their flight status via Flightradar24 or their airline.

Numerous individuals on TikTok and Facebook have branded Tenerife South Airport as 'chaos', claiming that the luggage queue is taking hours and some people are missing their flights.

Others have also alleged that the E-gates aren't functioning and hundreds of people have been queuing "to see one passport officer who was having to re-scan face/finger prints".

Sharing another video from Tenerife South Airport, @theknightstrider1 described it as "rammed" in the caption and said arrivals was particularly crowded so holidaymakers should "be prepared".

He added in the clip: "If you're wondering if Tenerife is busy, it certainly is. This is the arrivals area and it's absolutely rammed. People are still pouring in.

"If you come to the airport, I do recommend you get here nice and early if you're leaving, there's bound to be queues when you've got this many people around."

Aena said in a comment: "In Spain border control is the responsibility of the National Police, not the airport. The airport has provided the necessary infrastructure for the implementation of the Entry Exit System but its availability depends primarily on the number and performance of police officers at the border post."

Storm Therese is expected to subside across most of its affected areas by Monday, 23 March 2026. While the worst of the weather occurred between Thursday and Saturday, some impacts and weather warnings will persist through early next week.

Storm effects are currently continuing today (Sunday March 22) with rain and strong winds. Orange wind warnings (up to 100 km/h) remain in place for Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro, and western La Palma.

Weather is forecast to "ease off" on Monday (March 23) with wind speeds dropping and rainfall decreasing significantly. However, yellow and orange warnings remain active for several islands, and some schools in El Hierro, La Gomera, and parts of Tenerife will stay closed as a precaution. Conditions are expected to improve throughout the week.

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