Wind Shear Disrupts Operations at Tenerife South Airport
Tenerife South Airport experienced operational disruptions this Saturday as wind shear forced pilots to prioritize safety protocols during landing approaches.
Operations at Tenerife South Airport were disrupted this Saturday by wind shear—a sudden shift in wind speed or direction that can affect an aircraft's stability during takeoff and landing. Videos circulating online show the impact of this phenomenon, which is a recurring challenge for the airport due to its unique location and surrounding terrain.
The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has long identified the Reina Sofía airport as a site requiring extra caution. The island’s landscape, combined with northeast trade winds and coastal jet streams, creates complex flying conditions, particularly during the summer months from June to August. Wind shear is especially dangerous at low altitudes, as it can suddenly alter an aircraft's lift and flight path during the final approach.
When these conditions arise, strict safety protocols are followed. If a pilot decides to perform a "missed approach"—aborting a landing to climb back up—it is a standard safety measure, not an emergency. Pilots are highly trained to recognize these wind shifts and will always prioritize safety over continuing a landing if conditions aren't stable.
To manage these risks, Aena, Enaire, and Aemet work together using a specialized monitoring system. This allows them to detect sudden wind changes early and alert air traffic controllers and flight crews immediately. Tenerife South also serves as a hub for studying these events, helping experts improve weather forecasting and air traffic management in challenging conditions.