Tenerife South Airport experienced significant disruptions yesterday (Thursday) due to hazardous weather conditions, primarily caused by wind shear. Several flights were diverted to alternative airports as a result, and air traffic controllers shared images highlighting the complex situation affecting various flights throughout the day.
Wind shear, a sudden shift in wind direction and speed at different altitudes is a meteorological phenomenon that poses serious risks to aircraft, particularly during take-off and landing.
The rapid change in wind conditions can lead to severe turbulence, making it difficult for pilots to control the plane and, in some cases, resulting in failed landings and diversions to Tenerife North airport and, in some cases, other islands.
This is not the first time wind shear has impacted flights at Tenerife airports. The region’s unique weather patterns, influenced by trade winds and the island's mountainous terrain, frequently contribute to these dangerous conditions.
Last Saturday, August 24th, a similar incident occurred at Tenerife South Airport, where air operations were disrupted, runway configurations were altered, and several flights faced difficult landing.
Despite efforts by air traffic controllers to manage flight paths and adjust air traffic, the unpredictable nature of wind shear continues to challenge operations at Tenerife’s airports.
