Valencia flights delayed and rail network shutdown after devastating floods kill 62

Torrential rains pummelled parts of eastern and southern Spain on Tuesday triggering flash floods that have disrupted air and rail travel. 

The death toll has reached 62 in the Valencia region after more than a month’s rainfall fell in some areas.

Videos have been uploaded to social media showing cars being washed away in torrents of muddy water and submerged buildings. 

Here is the latest information for travellers in the Valencia region. 

Flights cancelled at Valencia airport

On Tuesday, several flights scheduled to land at Valencia airport were diverted to other cities in Spain including Barcelona and Alicante due to the powerful winds and heavy rain. 

Dozens of other flights that were due to depart or arrive at the airport were cancelled. 

Aena, the airport operator at Valencia, posted on X on Wednesday morning that there had been a total of 30 flights diverted and 49 cancelled. 

A video shared on social media from Tuesday evening shows much of the runway underwater. 

Hundreds of passengers spent the night sleeping in the airport waiting for flights to resume. 

Operations have now restarted at the airport although delays are still expected throughout the day. 

However, the Belgian consulate warned on X that “Getting to the airport by public transport is impossible. Some roads are blocked, but taxis can reach the airport”.

Photos posted on social media suggest some travellers are walking long distances to reach the airport. 

Rail services suspended in Valencia region

The flooding has caused severe disruption to train travel. National rail infrastructure operator ADIF said all rail services in the Valencia region are suspended "until the situation returns to normal for the safety of passengers". 

High-speed trains between Madrid and the city of Valencia were cancelled until "at least" 10 am on Wednesday due to the stormy conditions, ADIF added. 

A high-speed train from Malaga headed to Madrid carrying 276 passengers derailed in the southern region of Andalusia on Tuesday. There were no injuries or fatalities, the regional government said in a statement.