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Chronicle Live
World
Alex McIntyre

Flight disruption as Storm Gloria forces fire-damaged Alicante Airport to close

Alicante Airport has been forced to close for 24 hours due to the potential effect that Storm Gloria could have on the fire-damaged transport hub.

The Spanish airport was shut at 1pm on Sunday as operators feared that the damaged structure could be affected by the high winds brought by the storm.

It comes just days after a fire broke out in one of the terminal buildings, causing the airport to be evacuated and flights to be delayed.

A spokesperson for Alicante Airport operator Aena said: "Due to the effects that the storm Gloria could have on the areas affected by the fire last week, the airport will remain closed until tomorrow at 1pm."

The closure has delayed the arrival of Sunday evening's Jet2 flight from Alicante to Newcastle Airport provisionally until 7pm, about an hour and a half after it was due, as it had to take off from Murica Airport instead.

It will also affect the 9.35am easyjet flight on Monday, which will be diverted to Murcia Airport, about an hour's drive away from Alicante.

An update to passengers from easyjet said: "Your flight will be diverting to Murcia airport. This is due to strong winds predicted over Alicante Airport which could affect the airport structure due to recent fires and has caused the airport to close for a 24 hour period.

"We will be continuing your journey via road.

"We are arranging onward transport to Alicante. Due to the airport closure we will be unable to take the coaches to Alicante airport so will be ending your coach journey in Alicante city centre.

"Once arriving, please make your own way to your final destination and keep any receipts to claim expenses with our customer services team.

"Apologies for the inconvenience this may cause. The disruption to your flight is beyond our control and is considered an extraordinary circumstance."

Monday's 12.40pm easyjet flight from Alicante to Newcastle will be delayed by an hour and will leave from Murcia at 1.40pm.

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