Holidaymakers face another 24 hours of Alicante airport chaos as storm sweeps in - four days after roof fire caused cancellations and delays

  • Alicante-Elche airport has been shut four days after a roof fire caused chaos
  • Has been described as a 'preventative measure' after roof was partially damaged
  • Storm Gloria is set to bring heavy rain, snow and 75mph winds to the area 

Holidaymakers face another 24 hours of Alicante airport chaos as stormy weather grounds flights - four days after a roof fire caused a string of cancellations and delays.

Alicante-Elche airport, in Spain, was closed from 1pm today as Storm Gloria brought heavy rain, snow and 75mph winds to the region. Authorities in the Balaeric Islands and Alicante have both issued red weather warnings.

Flights to London, Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool and other UK destinations have been either cancelled or diverted to alternative airports.

It comes after the airport was closed, leaving flights disrupted and cancelled, on Wednesday following a large fire in the airport roof. 

Holidaymakers face chaos at Alicante-Elche airport as flights are cancelled as Storm Gloria approaches, bringing heavy rain, snow and 75mph winds. Pictured is the airport's departure board

Holidaymakers face chaos at Alicante-Elche airport as flights are cancelled as Storm Gloria approaches, bringing heavy rain, snow and 75mph winds. Pictured is the airport's departure board

Holidaymakers face chaos at the airport following Wednesday's disruption. (Pictured: Tourists outside the airport following an evacuation due to a roof fire)

Holidaymakers face chaos at the airport following Wednesday's disruption. (Pictured: Tourists outside the airport following an evacuation due to a roof fire) 

The closure has also been described as a 'preventative measure' after fire gutted part of the airport roof on Wednesday (pictured)

The closure has also been described as a 'preventative measure' after fire gutted part of the airport roof on Wednesday (pictured) 

Airport operator AENA said in a statement the airport had been closed 'due to the effects that the storm could have on the areas affected by the fire last week'.

Pictures show flames leaping out of a section of the roof as a plume of smoke billows into the atmosphere.

Crowds of tourists are also seen standing outside the airport building after being evacuated due to the blaze. 

The closure has also affected flights across Europe, to other major cities including Dublin, Moscow and Madrid. 

Ryanair has told affected customers to look out for emails or texts in regards to their scheduled flight over the coming days.

A large group of tourists pictured outside the airport on Wednesday, after a fire broke out on the roof

A large group of tourists pictured outside the airport on Wednesday, after a fire broke out on the roof

This map released by the met office shows Storm Gloria above Alicante, Spain

This map released by the met office shows Storm Gloria above Alicante, Spain

Smoke can be seen billowing from the roof of Alicante airport after a fire started in the terminal building on Wednesday

Smoke can be seen billowing from the roof of Alicante airport after a fire started in the terminal building on Wednesday

Passengers on the Jet2 flight to Newcastle and easyJet flight to Bristol are also expected to be affected.

Officials are urging people to stay away from the airport and contact their airlines for information on their flights.

Valencia and Murcia airports are expected to be used as alternatives where possible.

Tourists were pictured being evacuated from the airport on Wednesday as fire ripped through part of the roof.

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